In order to fast track procurement of Clothing and Equipments for defence  personnal deployed in very high altitude areas like Siachen, an Empowered  Committee  under  the  chairmanship of Master General of  Ordnance (MGO) has been set up with full powers of Competent Financial Authority.  Special dispensation for placing 100% repeat order has also been given to the Empowered Committee.  Moreover, sufficient quantities of these items are kept in reserve in Army Headquarters to avoid any shortage.

The total number of soldiers who have died in Siachen Glacier on  OP  MEGHDOOT since 1984 till date due to climatic conditions, environmental and other factors are as under:-

Officers           -           33

JCOs               -           54

OR                  -           782

____________________

Total:               -           869

Operational deployment along the borders is a dynamic process based on assessment of threat to the National Security. Out of 55 items of clothing and mountaineering equipments, only 20 items are imported. Details of Expenditure incurred for the last three years including current year are as under:-

*Expenditure upto 30th November 2015.

Steps taken for upgradation include constant search for newer items which will save lives and increase the combat efficiency of our troops deployed in very high altitude areas like Siachen.  A Seminar with Indian Technical Textile Association was held in February 2015 followed up by trial of items in Siachen Glacier and sharing of trial reports with Indian Industry for further improvement to meet the stringent requirements of such areas.

This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Rao Inderjit Singh in a written reply to Shri Shrirangappa Barne and others in Lok Sabha today.

DM/NAMPI/RAJ