Siachen Troops to get Special Shoes

New Delhi, Oct 10 (UNI) The Government today assured troops stationed at the Himalayan heights on the Siachen Glacier that bureaucratic redtape would be dispensed with while securing essential equipment and clothing items for them.

Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee -- who toured the area today alongwith Army Chief General JJ Singh -- promised that there will be no delay in the procurement of essential equipment and clothing items, especially those required for the Jawans in the extreme weather conditions of Siachen.

Addressing the Jawans at the Base Camp at Zingrulwa, the Minister observed that special shoes -- effective in very low temperatures upto minus 50 degrees Celsius -- would soon be provided to the Armed Forces personnel deployed in the highest battle field of the world.

At present, the shoes worn by the Jawans are not very effective at temperatures less than minus 20 degree Celsius, it may be noted.

Minister Mukherjee also announced that an order for a newly-introduced item 'Avalung' was under processing -- the item will go a long way in saving the lives of Jawans trapped in avalanches.

In view of the harsh conditions prevailing on the Siachen Glacier, the Government had decided to rush ''the full stock of clothing authorisation to these areas before the onset of winter'', the Minister announced.

Minister Mukherjee further commended the soldiers for their hardwork in the difficult Siachen terrain protecting the borders and 'bringing about improvement in the situation in Jammu&Kashmir'.

Accompanied by Army Chief Gen JJ Singh and 14 Corps General Officer Commanding Lt Gen JK Mohanty, Minister Mukherjee conducted an aerial survey of the border areas and thereafter interacted with the Jawans and officers at the Forward Logistic Base 'Kumar' and shared a cup of tea with them.

The Minister enquired about the wellbeing of the troops and conveyed Diwali greetings to them and their families, said an official spokesperson here.

There was considerable enthusiasm among the Jawans as they spoke to the Defence Minister, the Army Chief and the Area GOC, the spokesperson added.

Earlier, before proceeding for the aerial survey, Minister Mukherjee and Gen JJ Singh planted a sapling each at the Base Camp.

Brigade Commander Brig Om Prakash informed the Defence Minister that arboculture and waste management drives had been launched by the Army to clean up the environment. As part of the programme 120,000 saplings had been planted so far.

UNI DG VD RK1930