THE Siachen Glacier, once a vibrant valley of roses, has now transformed into a frozen expanse. Spanning over 76 kilometres and perched at an altitude of 5000 meters above sea level, it stands as the longest glacier in the Karakoram Range and the second-longest in the world, excluding the Polar Regions. Its unique geographical location and size make it a vital component of the global climate system, a fact that cannot be overlooked.
The icy wilderness of the Siachen Glacier, once uninhabited, is now home to armies of two neighbouring nuclear states. The conflict over Siachen began in April 1984 when India launched Operation Meghdoot, a military operation to capture most of the Siachen Glacier. This operation was launched under the pretext that the Line of Control (LOC) runs from NJ9842 along the watersheds formed by the Saltoro Ridge, which places the entire Siachen Glacier within Indian territory. India relied on the Karachi Agreement (1949), where beyond NJ9842, the LOC was to run “thence north to the glaciers”. Since then, it has been the world’s highest and coldest battleground.
However, before 1984, Pakistan exercised authority over the terrain of the Siachen Glacier, issuing mountaineering expedition licenses for the area and allowing travellers with Pakistani visas to visit the site. Interestingly, India, before 1984, never contested Pakistan’s administrative control over the Siachen Glacier. This historical context is crucial to understanding the complexity and urgency of the Siachen conflict and its environmental impact. Given the environmental concerns associated with the presence of military forces on Siachen Glacier, the International Community must take action to help resolve the issue, underlining the importance of vacating Siachen Glacier.
Siachen conflict is expensive and full of extreme weather hazards for troops. Another tragedy beneath the surface is the environmental impact of military presence on the glacier as it threatens the natural topography. The intense activity directly on the glacier’s surface increases the danger to the environment manifold. For instance, heavy machinery and explosives have led to the destruction of vegetation and wildlife habitats, accelerating climate change. Additionally, large quantities of waste, including non-biodegradable material, produced by troops on the glacier severely affect the region’s delicate ecosystem. These examples highlight the issue’s severity and the urgent need for action.
For Pakistan, the environmental degradation of the Siachen Glacier is not just an ecological concern but a forewarning of the human toll this military build-up may take. The Nubra River flows from the glacier through the remote valleys of Ladakh before joining the Shyok River. The water of these rivers is not just a matter of sustenance but a source of life for millions in Pakistan, whose livelihoods and well-being are at stake. The mighty Indus River provides water for agriculture, industry and domestic use in South Pakistan. The potential water scarcity due to the melting of the Siachen Glacier could lead to a humanitarian crisis, with millions of people struggling to survive without adequate water resources. This situation demands immediate attention and action from the international community.
People in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region are already facing the consequences of these changing runoff patterns. Aisha Khan, CEO of the Mountain and Glacier Protection Organisation in Islamabad, personally observed the impact of snow melting on local farmers. The emerging geographical change from snow melting has affected the water supply for irrigation and agriculture, forcing men to leave their fields and move towards the overpopulated cities for work. Environmentalists warn that continued melting of the Siachen Glacier could lead to severe floods, droughts and food shortages in Pakistan. The Pakistani Meteorological Department reports a significant reduction in glacier size—about 35%—with an alarming annual decrease of 110 meters. These changes threaten millions of South Asians with water scarcity and potential displacement, highlighting the urgent need for international action.
Climate change presents one of humanity’s most critical challenges, with melting glaciers, rising sea levels, extreme weather and declining biodiversity causing severe environmental concerns. The global community is grappling with these issues and must address conflicts like the one surrounding the Siachen Glacier to mitigate climate change impacts. International law emphasizes the responsibility of states to protect vulnerable ecosystems, as outlined in the Stockholm Declaration (1972) and the Rio Declaration (1992), which have become customary international law. The Siachen Glacier’s degradation raises crucial questions about environmental protection and state obligations. Military activities contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, with the military sector responsible for about 5.5% of global emissions due to its reliance on fossil fuels. The Indian army’s presence on the Siachen Glacier exacerbates environmental degradation and accelerates glacier melting.
To address these concerns, the international community must take collective action to resolve the Siachen conflict. Engaging in dialogue between India and Pakistan to explore alternative management strategies is essential. International organizations like ICIMOD can facilitate negotiations and research the military’s impact on the region’s climate. Initiatives such as the ‘Green Alliance’ could leverage diplomatic influence to encourage India to address environmental responsibilities and mitigate the effects of militarization. With coordinated efforts, the Siachen Glacier can transition from a conflict zone to a symbol of peace and environmental protection. This vision of a sustainable and peaceful future is achievable through proactive and meaningful engagement, motivating action to safeguard the glacier and its surrounding regions.
—The writer is a contributing columnist.
