The Government of India has decided to open Siachen area, the world’s highest battlefield for tourists.
On Monday, the Government has decided to open Siachen area for tourism. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced it during a function in eastern Ladakh, saying that the entire area from Siachen base camp to Kumar Post will be opened for tourism.
Singh was in Ladakh with Army Gen. Bipin Rawat to inaugurate Colonel Chewang Rinchin Bridge on Shyok River. The bridge is located about 45 km from the country’s border with China.
The Ladakh MP, Jamyang Tseing Namgyal, has also welcomed the move and mentioned about the opening of the area in his address. He said that the step will help in attracting tourists.
Moreover, it will provide a passage to the tourists to appreciate the work done by Army jawans and engineers in the area. Significantly, Ladakh has an inhospitable terrain and also experiences harsh weather conditions.
Singh later tweeted, “Ladakh has tremendous potential in tourism. Better connectivity in Ladakh would certainly bring tourists in large numbers”. He also added, “The Siachen area is now open for tourists and Tourism. From Siachen Base to Kumar Post, the entire area has been opened for Tourism purposes”.
In a similar vein, Singh recognised the efforts of the soldiers. He said that only steel and concrete have not gone into its making. He further said that “sweat and valour” of the engineers and workers of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) have been involved.
The Siachen Glacier is located in the Karakoram Range at the height of 20,000ft. Interestingly, this is the highest militarised zone in the world.
