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The First batch of domestic tourists led by Member of Parliament and State President BJP Ladakh Jamyang Tsering Namgyal reached Siachen Base camp and declared it open for all civilian tourists on world Tourism day 2021. The group was earlier flagged off by Honourable Chief Executive Councillor LAHDC Leh Advocate Tashi Gyalson in presence of tourism fraternity of Ladakh from Leh on 26th of September 2021.
Although, It was officially announced by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on October 21, 2019 during the inauguration on a new bridge over the Shyok river which goes by the name of Colonel Chewang Rinchen Bridge as part of the effort to boost tourism in Ladakh and give people first hand experience of the tough conditions in which Indian army personnel operate. This decision is welcomed by a wave of happiness both by locals and travellers then.
This has opened a whole new area for civilians to explore in the newly created union territory of Ladakh. As of now, civilians were only allowed to go till the last village called Warshi on the way to the Siachen glacier which is quiet far from the Siachen base camp and the Siachen Battle field for many reason including the security issues.
Siachen Glacier which is the highest battlefield and one of the most difficult terrains on Earth, which is located on the eastern Karakoram range in the Himalayas, and India took over the territory in 1984 in an operation Meghdoot. Siachen Glacier is also the second largest glacier outside the polar region.
The Siachen Glacier base camp is situated at an altitude of 3657 masl where as the highest post which is Bana post lies at the altitude of 7010 m ( 23000 feet) and the temperature falls below minus 40 degree during peak winters.
Significance of Opening Siachen Glacier for tourism from security point of view
The roots of conflict over the Siachen lie in the ambiguous line of control delineated by UN in 1949 which became Karachi Agreement that ended the 1947-48 India-Pakistan war over Kashmir. It did not clearly mention who control the area around the Siachen glacier, merely stating that from NJ 9842 the boundary would proceed “ Thence north to the glaciers.” UN Official’s presumed there would be no dispute between India and Pakistan over such a cold and barren region. Prior to 1984, neither Pakistan nor India had any permanent presence in the area. However, cartographic aggression by Pakistan, mountaineering expeditions and counter expeditions by both countries resulted in a conflict which began in 1984 with India’s successful Operation Meghdoot, during which it seized control of the Siachen Glacier ( Unoccupied and Not Demarcated area). After 1984, Pakistan launched several attempts to displace the Indian forces from these heights, but with little success. However, the ceasefire came into effect in 2003 which marked the end to everyday artillery battle . While guns are silent, both Armies are battle-ready and vigilantes on locations as high as 23,000 feet’s in saltoro ridge of Siachen Glacier.
The Siachen Glacier is glossed over the line of extension of the LOC and the line from NJ9842 to Siachen is referred to as the actual ground position line (AGPL) which otherwise means, you own what you occupy.
Siachen Glacier serves as a wedge between Baltistan in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir and Shaksgam valley that Pakistan illegally ceded to China. India’s control of the glacier prevents China and Pakistan from military linking up which may expose Ladakh to a Sino-Pakistan pincer attack, therefore it is consider as strategically important area.
Opening of Siachen glacier to tourism sent a strong message across the border and to the international forum that the glacier rightfully belong to India’ sovereignty and every citizen of India has the right and freedom to move freely in their our own territory. Until now, civilian were restricted from visiting the Siachen Glacier mainly due to poor road infrastructure, lack of medical facilities and poor connectivity in case of any emergency but things has significantly improved under the Modi’s regime rendering it easily accessible to civilian as well.
Security was another concern but since 2003, the area has been largely peaceful.
What its means to Locals?
Nubra valley is amongst the top tourist destination in Ladakh, well known for cold desert with bacterial camels and Turtuk village with Balti ethnic culture. The valley is bifurcated by two rivers namely Shayok and Siachen river. Currently, the villages located along the Shayok river reap the benefits of tourism where as hardly any tourist visit the villages along the Siachen river. There are more than 30 villages on the bank of Siachen rivers which will be immensely benefited with opening of Siachen Glacier to tourism. Since the announcement of opening of Siachen Glacier in 2019, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Leh along with UT ladakh has supported, encouraged and invested in this region to improve the tourism infrastructure such as Home stays, Road expansion work and installation of telecom towers to boost the overall tourism which eventually will help the local economy and also help people appreciate what soldiers have to endure. Moreover, this side of the valley is endowed with amazing natural beauty, serene environment, heritages sites, historical structures, old monasteries and unique cultural flavour which is unexplored till now.
Various civil organisations, religious representatives, pubic representatives along with people from different villages on the way to Siachen Base camp offered grand reception to the entourage at their respective villages. Culminating the long journey, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal and entourage were received by Indian army at Siachen Base camp and officially declared Siachen base camp open for tourism.
