Captain Supreetha C.T. has created history by becoming the first woman officer from the Air Defence unit of the Army to be appointed at the world’s highest battlefield Siachen Glacier. She underwent rigorous training at the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai to take charge at Siachen. She joined the Army in 2021 as a Lieutenant and belongs to Mysuru.
About Siachen Glacier
- Situated in the Eastern Karakoram range in the Himalayas, Siachen Glacier has been under the control of India since 1984, when Operation Meghdoot was conducted to secure India’s presence in the region.
- The Geological Survey of India (GSI) awarded the number 5Q 131 05 084 to Siachen Glacier. It is close to Point NJ9842 which marks the end of the LoC between India and Pakistan, as established through the Shimla Agreement.
- After Fedchenko Glacier, which is located in Tajikistan, Siachen Glacier is the second largest glacier outside the polar region.
- Saltoro, Kangri and Sia Kangri, which are some of the world’s highest peaks, border the glacier.
- Siachen Glacier is the origin of the Nubra River.
- It is the world’s highest battlefield.
- Siachen Glacier is also called the “White Desert” due to harsh weather conditions, such as a temperature as low as -50 degrees Celsius. Weather conditions make the glacier a difficult land for forces to conduct their operations.
Ecological significance of Siachen Glacier
- Despite being covered with snow, Siachen Glacier holds special significance for the environment and ecology.
- Many rivers flowing in the region, including the Indus River, receive water from the glacier.
- It also boasts a wide range of flora and fauna which add to the glacier’s attraction. It has high-altitude rare and endemic plants. It is also home to a wide range of wildlife, such as snow leopards, brown bears, and ibex.
- Moreover, the glacier is a huge reservoir of freshwater, making preservation critical. Additionally, it provides a solid ground for research and scientific activities such as studying the impacts of global warming on snow regions.
- The military presence and conflict have affected its environment and ecology. The ecological significance of the region has sparked the idea of making the glacier a peace park.
