The first GSI survey of the Siachen

Subject : Geography

Section: Places in news

Concept :

NJ 9842 vs. 5Q 131 05 084 : Exploring India-Pakistan’s last demarcated point and the Siachen glacier’s assigned number by the Geological Survey of India (GSI).
Lack of recognition: Despite the historical importance, the first Siachen survey remains overlooked by scholars and mountaineers.

The First Siachen Survey

K. Raina’s leadership: In June 1958, V.K. Raina, an Indian geologist, conducted the inaugural Siachen survey.
Unforeseen conflict: The peaceful region surveyed in 1958 became a disputed area between India and Pakistan, leading to Operation Meghdoot in 1984.

About Siachen Glacier

It is the highest battleground on Earth. Troops are deployed at elevations of up to 6,700 metres (22,000 feet) at minus 60 degrees C.
India occupied Siachen glacier under Operation Meghdoot in 1984.
Siachen Glacier, piedmont glacier located in the Karakoram Range.
It lies in the heavily glaciated Himalayan region known as the “Third Pole,” because mountain glaciers in this region contain more fresh water than is found anywhere else on Earth except for the polar ice caps.
The Siachen Glacier lies between the Saltoro Ridge, a subrange of the Karakorams, to the west and the main Karakoram Range to the east.
It is 75 km (47 miles) long, which makes it the second longest nonpolar glacier in the world, after Fedchenko Glacier in Tajikistan.
The Siachen Glacier is positioned from northwest to southeast.
It originates at the base of the Indira Col West, a col (low point) on the Indira Ridge, at an altitude of 6,115 metres (20,062 feet), and it descends to an altitude of 3,570 metres (11,713 feet).
On its left flank are three tributary glaciers: TeramShehr, North Terong, and South Terong.
On its right flank are tributary glaciers: Zingrulma, Gyongla, Lolofond
Nubra River originates from Siachen glacier.
The name Siachen refers to a land with an abundance of roses.