Defence: The Ministry of Defence, India has sought environmental clearance for building additional ammunition storage in Ladakh. This step of the army will help ensure availability of necessary war material during deployment in border areas. Under this scheme, mainly emphasises on increasing storage capacities in the forward areas of East Ladakh, which is close to China border. These are the areas where the detention between India and the Chinese army began after the violence in the Gulf in 2020.
In addition, the Army has also introduced proposals to strengthen the presence in a village Lukung and Durbook terrain, situated on the banks of the Pongongong Tasto Lake. The Ministry of Defence had sent the Ministry of Environment from April to July this year and waits for approvals. The army says it is necessary to ensure ammunition availability in further areas for the war in the early stage in Ladakh.
The proposals include the provision of creating strategic ammunition storage facility (Formation Ammunition Storage Facility) near Hanley and Foty La as well as creating Underground Cavern in other places. These facilities are to be built in important sites where the army is already deployed. It also proposes to increase the permanent presence of military forces in areas such as Hanley, Foti La, Punguk and Coul. Foti La, which is one of the world’s highest motorable passes, is located at a distance of only 30 km from the Hanley and it is also the way to go to Damchok.
At present, most of the storage of the ammunition is being carried out temporarily and is about 250 km from the Hanley and 300 km from Futi La. There are blockages in supplying military materials in such a way that are affecting operational preparations. Being a proper storage facility will solve this problem, allowing units to be deployed faster when needed.
In addition, the proposal to create the Underground Cavern is also being considered important to strengthen the operational preparations, especially in areas around the Eastern Ladakh and the actual control line. These cavern facilities are being considered important to enhance military capabilities in the field.
The Indian Army already has a number of temporary facilities, but has felt the need to permanentize these facilities since the clashes with Chinese forces in 2020. Environmental clearance is required for the construction of new ammunition storage facilities in these areas under Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary.
इस प्रकार, सेना की इस पहल का उद्देश्य न केवल भंडारण की सुविधा को पुख्ता करना है, बल्कि युद्ध की स्थिति में आवश्यक सामग्री की तेज़ आपूर्ति को भी सुनिश्चित करना है, जो राष्ट्रीय सुरक्षा के लिहाज से एक महत्वपूर्ण कदम है।

















