Siachen Glacier

Why in news?

• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) indigenously developed Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) demonstrated its capabilities in Siachen glacier recently.

About Siachin Glacier

• The Siachen Glacier is located near Indo-Pak Line of Control. The average elevation of Siachen Glacier from sea level is approximately 17,770 feet.
• The Siachen Glacier is known as the highest battlefield of the world.
• Siachen Glacier lies in Northern Ladakh in the Karakorams, a mountain range originating from the Pamirs. The total area of Siachen Glacier is approximately 78 km. Siachen is the 5th largest glacier of the Karakoram Range and second largest glacier in the world.
• Siachen Glacier comes under the Ladakh region, which along with Jammu and Kashmir, was declared as a Union Territory after the centre's move to scrap special status for the state.
• India launched Operation Meghdoot on 13 April 1984 when the “Kumaon Regiment” of the Indian Army and the “Indian Air Force” went into the Glacier.
• India spends around 5 to 7 crores daily on guarding the glacier. Approximately 3000 soldiers always remain on duty in the glacier. Every soldier who gets the duty to guard the glacier serves about three months.  The harsh weather condition cannot be survived for more than that.
• Siachen glacier acts as a barrier between the Shaksgam Valley and Baltistan. The former is under the control of China whereas the latter is occupied by Pakistan.
• Siachen holds significant importance for India as it prevents the link-up of the Pakistani army with the Chinese and protects Ladakh.

About Light Utility Helicopter (LUH)

• The HAL Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) is a 3-tonne class highly agile new generation light helicopter.
• According to HAL, it possesses a maximum speed of 260 km/h and will be capable of accommodating a maximum of two pilots and six passengers.
• The LUH is to be built for the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force to replace the aging fleet of Cheetah and Chetak helicopters.

PRELIMS QUESTION

Consider the following statements regarding Siachen Glacier:
1.Siachen Glacier comes under the Ladakh Union Territory.
2.It lies in the Karakoram range of Himalayas.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)Both 1 and 2
(d)Neither 1 nor 2

Answer to prelims question