Maham Ayaz
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.
Siachen conflict is an expensive war zone with 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. Large quantities of waste, including but not limited to non-biodegradable material, produced by troops on the glacier severely affect the region's delicate ecosystem. Besides this, heavy machinery and explosives causing fast melting of the glaciers have also led to the destruction of vegetation and wildlife habitat, which accelerates climate change and is a matter of grave concern.
For Pakistan, the environmental degradation of the Siachen Glacier is not just an ecological concern but a forewarning of the human toll this military buildup may take. The Nubra River flows from the glacier through the remote valleys of Laddakh 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 is a situation that 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 if the melting of Siachen Glacier continues at its current rate, it could lead to disastrous floods, droughts, and food shortages in Pakistan. According to a study by the Pakistani Meteorological Department, the glacier size has reduced considerably by about 35% and is currently decreasing at an alarming rate of 110 meters annually. These changes are not only endangering the lives of millions of South Asians but also potentially leading to water scarcity and mass displacements. We cannot afford to wait any longer to address this pressing issue.
Presently, climate change is one of humanity's most pressing challenges. Problems such as melting glaciers, rising sea levels, extreme weather conditions, and declining biodiversity are causing grave environmental concerns. The world is struggling with the complexity of climate change and is trying to address its adverse effects through various initiatives. The international community must urgently address conflicts surrounding Siachen Glacier to mitigate climate change.
From the international law perspective, the Siachen Glacier’s degradation raises essential questions regarding environmental protection and preserving fragile ecosystems. Stockholm Declaration 1972 and the Rio Declaration 1992 provide the general principles of global environmental protection laws. Some of these principles are also emerging as customary international law. According to these principles, states are responsible for preventing environmental hazards, especially in regions with ecological significance, such as Siachen Glacier. Numerous international agreements and conventions dictate action to address climate change so that vulnerable ecosystems and humanity can be protected. Henceforth, it is an international obligation of both states to prevent harm to the environment.
Military activities significantly impact greenhouse gas emissions. Studies have shown that the military sector is responsible for approximately 5.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions because it relies on fossil fuels for infrastructure, operations, and transportation. The Indian army's offensive on the Siachen Glacier is accelerating the melting of the glaciers and worsening the environment.
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. Initiating a dialogue between India and Pakistan to explore alternative strategies for managing the region is crucial. Despite inconclusive agreements in the past, resuming dialogue is essential to find a solution that can help protect the region's environment. International organisations such as the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) can play a role by facilitating negotiations and conducting on-ground research to highlight the military's impact on the region's climate change. Through initiatives such as the ‘Green Alliance’, countries like the US can use their diplomatic influence to make India fulfil its responsibility for environmental issues in the region and support efforts to mitigate the impact of militarisation. This collective action is essential to resolving the Siachen conflict and protecting the environment.
With concerted efforts, the International Community can transform the Siachen Glacier from a battleground to a ‘mountain of peace’, ensuring the protection of the environment and regional stability. We are all together in this. The potential for a peaceful resolution to the Siachen conflict is not just a distant dream but a tangible possibility. Proactive and meaningful engagement can pave the way for a more sustainable and peaceful future for the Siachen Glacier and its surrounding regions. This positive future vision is a powerful motivator for the audience to support the idea and take action.