25-Sep-2019: Army removes 130 tonnes of solid waste from Siachen glacier to protect its eco-system

The Army has removed 130 tonnes of solid waste from the Siachen glacier as a part of a mega drive to protect the eco-system of the world’s most dangerous battlefield.

Presence of sizeable numbers of troops saddled the glacier with tonnes of waste and the Army is determined to rid the area of pollutants.

A total 130.18 tonnes of waste has been disposed till now which included 48.41 tons of bio-degradable waste, 40.32 tonnes of non-bio-degradable non-metallic waste and 41.45 tonnes of non-bio-degradable metallic waste.

According to official date, the total volume of waste generated at the glacier is 236 tonnes. The drive started around one-and-half years back.

Incinerators have been installed at Partapur near Siachen base camp and Bukdang in Leh to convert non-metallic waste into manure. The Army has also set up cardboard recycling machines in Leh.

The army has also launched a mega drive to create awareness among people in Leh and adjoining areas to protect the environment.