Siachen Glacier: Siachen Glacier is one of the highest battlefields in the world. This is one of the most inaccessible borders of India. There has been a long standing dispute between India and Pakistan regarding the Siachen Glacier situated at an altitude of 5753 meters above sea level. About 5000 soldiers of both the countries are deployed here. Siachen remains covered with snow throughout the year.
In Siachen, the day temperature reaches -30 degrees and the night temperature reaches -55 degrees. Snow storms occur frequently. Despite this, Indian soldiers not only stand bravely here throughout the year, but also give a befitting reply to the enemy fighting against all adverse conditions. Have you ever wondered what the life of an Indian soldier deployed in Siachen is like? Do the soldiers deployed there get more salary? What special facilities are available? Know in this explainer…
Is there a separate salary?
In addition to their fixed salary, the soldiers deployed in Siachen are given High Altitude Allowance. This varies according to rank. The Army has divided the high altitude areas into three categories. Category-1, Category-2 and Category-3.
How much extra salary do you get?
Category 1: Talking category wise, Lieutenant Colonel posted in High Altitude Category-1 and soldiers above or equivalent get Rs 3400 per month. Major and its equivalent soldiers are given Rs 2700 per month, Captain and senior soldiers are given Rs 1980 per month, Lieutenant and its equivalent soldiers are given Rs 1590 per month, JCO and its equivalent soldiers are given Rs 1440 per month.
Category 2: Lieutenant Colonel, above or equivalent soldiers posted in High Altitude Category-1 get Rs 5300 per month. Major and its equivalent soldiers are paid Rs 4100 per month, Captain and senior soldiers are paid Rs 3000 per month, Lieutenant and its equivalent soldiers are paid Rs 2400 per month, JCO and its equivalent soldiers are paid Rs 2160 per month.
Category 3: Talking about High Altitude Category-3, which is considered the most difficult, the officers posted here get an additional salary of Rs 25,000 per month. Whereas JCO and equivalent soldiers get Rs 17300 per month.
What other special facilities are available?
Special Clothes: Since Siachen is a very cold area, special clothes are given to the soldiers deployed here. Soldiers are given things like special jackets, sleeping bags, mattresses, special socks, special shoes, glasses, gloves. These things are specially made to deal with such adverse temperatures.
Safety Equipment: Siachen is always covered with snow. Snow storms often occur and strong winds blow. Snow keeps slipping, hence all kinds of safety equipment are also given to the soldiers. Like ice cutting axe, sealing bag, carabiner, rope, avalanche rescue kit, medical kit, oxygen tank, rescue stretcher etc.
Special equipment: Special equipment is also given to the soldiers deployed here. For example, special radio sets, satellite phones etc. are available for mutual communication. Apart from this, things like heater, burner are also available.
Special vehicles: Patrolling in Siachen Glacier is very difficult. It is very difficult to go from one place to another on foot. Therefore, these deployed soldiers also get special vehicles like ATVs, snow scooters.
Special Weapon: Since this is the most stressful area. Along with Pakistan, China’s eyes are also fixed here, hence the soldiers deployed here also get special weapons. There are many weapons which are specially designed for fighting in snow.
Extra Ration: It is so cold in Siachen that it is very difficult to keep the body warm. In such a situation, soldiers need extra energy. Keeping this in mind, they are given special ration in addition to the prescribed ration. Which contains items which contain a lot of calories. For example- chocolate, dry fruits etc.
How many days is the deployment?
A soldier is not deployed in Siachen just like that, rather he has to undergo rigorous training before deployment. Any soldier of the Indian Army, irrespective of his rank, has to undergo rigorous training in the Siachen Battle School. One gets posting here only after passing various tests and training. According to the Indian Army, no soldier is deployed for more than 3 months in a difficult area like Siachen.
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Tags: india pakistan, indian army, Siachen
FIRST PUBLISHED: March 19, 2024, 12:28 IST