India / Army sets up heated tents for soldiers deployed in Ladakh during winter

New Delhi: The Indian Army has established upgraded living facilities for troops deployed in Eastern Ladakh, a sector that receives up to 40 feet of snow after November every year and where temperatures fall up to negative 30-40 degrees.

Eastern Ladakh has also been in news for the past few months in connection with the ongoing military face-off with Chinese troops along the Line of Actual Control (LoAC).

"In order to ensure operational efficiency of troops deployed in winters, Indian Army has completed establishment of habitat facilities for all troops deployed in the sector," an Indian Army statement said today, referring to the high-to-super high altitudes of the Ladakh range.

"Apart from the smart camps with integrated facilities which have been built over the years, additional state-of-the-art habitat with integrated arrangements for electricity, water, heating facilities, health and hygiene have been recently created to accommodate the troops," the statement said.

Troops on the front line, according to it, are accommodated in heated tents as per the tactical considerations of their deployment. In addition, adequate civil infrastructure has also been identified to cater to any emergent requirements of the soldiers.

Indian and Chinese troops have been engaged in a stand-off since early May along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh. The situation deteriorated in June following the Galwan Valley clash in which both sides suffered casualties.

Up to 20 Indian soldiers were killed on June 15-16 as a result of an attempt by the Chinese to unilaterally change the status quo.

In October, personnel affiliated with state-run Chinese media had circulated visuals of the preparations being made in the region by the Chinese army ahead of winter. This included the provision of solar and wind-power facilities and 24-hour hot water supply.