Indian Army's Siachen Swachhta Abhiyan: 130 tonnes of waste cleared

As a part of the Siachen Swachhta Abhiyan, the Indian Army is cleaning up the garbage that has been continuously gathering in Siachen glacier for the past 40 years, since 1979. So far, more than 130 tonnes of waste has been disposed of off, since they started in 2018. 

Siachen Swachhta Abhiyan

In high altitude areas like Siachen, where the temperature is always in the minus, even the degradable waste is not disposed of. As in this minus degree temperature, waste cannot degrade, all the garbage needs to be brought down, making it the biggest challenge.

WATCH | This video captures the treacherous conditions in which Indian Army operates in Siachen

The Clean Siachen campaign was launched from January 1, 2018. The garbage disposed of so far has been biodegradable waste of 48.4 tonnes, non-biodegradable non-metallic waste of 40.32 tonnes and metallic waste 41.45 tonnes. The waste is disposed of by burning it and converting it into ashes. This ash is then used in farming. 

READ | Rajnath Singh flies to Siachen glacier to review security situation, his first visit as Defence Minister

Tourism hub

The Siachen glacier is also going to be opened up to tourists soon, as mentioned by Army Chief General Bipin Rawat during a seminar attended by several officers including senior Lieutenant Generals, reported ANI.

"During the conference, the Army chief stated that there is increased curiosity about the Indian Army and its operational challenges," top Army sources said.

"The chief further said that this would be good for national integration. As the force has been allowing citizens to visit training centres and institutions, we now plan to open some forward posts like Siachen Glacier as well," they said.

The Army has however not yet decided on the procedures and the particular positions where it would allow tourists. From 2007, India had started allowing civilians to trek from Siachen Base Camp to high altitude locations in the Siachen Glacier which is around 11,000 feet at the base camp and goes beyond 21,000 feet at the higher reaches.

READ | Indian Army in process to open parts of Siachen Glacier for tourists

Siachen Glacier 

The Siachen Glacier is the world's highest battlefield and is maintained by thousands of Indian troops round the year where extreme cold conditions and the treacherous glacial terrain are bigger enemies than the enemy bullets.

WATCH | Army celebrates International Yoga Day, performs Yoga at the Siachen amidst sub-zero temperature

(With inputs from ANI)