Siachen Science Club

With only slight adjustments in the cease-fire line after subsequent wars, the division of Kashmir has continued for five decades. And since 1984, the state's Siachen Glacier region has become a 20,000-foot high battleground between India and Pakistan.

There are differing views on the military significance of the Siachen Glacier, but the dispute has an undeniably strong political significance. However, as India and Pakistan have worked to reach agreement on many issues over the years, Siachen has been discussed as a potential location for cooperation by the two sides through disengagement of troops from the region. In 1989 and again in 1993, a settlement on the issue was nearly reached. The high cost in financial and human terms of continuing this confrontation make it an excellent candidate for cooperation while minimising strategic or military disadvantage.

Many factors will influence a resolution of the Siachen conflict. While political will is the predominant factor, it will be affected by other issues too. The desire to reduce human suffering and to save money are two other important factors that justify resolution. Mechanisms which provide assurance that the terms of an agreement are met will be required in order to support political will. These mechanisms may include monitoring systems, inspection regimes, and cooperative projects, all of which can help ensure compliance with whatever agreement is made.

The concept introduced here is to substitute a scientific presence in the Siachen region for the military one. The goal of establishing a "Siachen Science Centre" would be to satisfy the requirement for a national presence in the area that would help ensure that the terms of a military disengagement agreement are met, while advancing the cause of science in many fields. The project could be conducted cooperatively by Indians and Pakistanis but with the possible participation of other regional and international participants and sponsors.

The Siachen Science Centre would consist of a scientific research facility within a designated zone in the Karakoram Range. It would consist of a base camp with the potential for outlying field sites where scientific instruments could be placed. Creating smaller-scale outposts in the vicinity of the base station is also possible. The centre would be staffed by scientists, engineers, and technicians conducting research, along with necessary support staff, which could be of bilateral, regional or multinational mix.

The location high in the Karakoram Range in the western part of the Himalayan Mountains offers many advantages as a base for conducting scientific research. Depending on the location of the facility, it has the potential to be the highest altitude manned research station in the world. That fact, coupled with its isolated location, unique geology, and geographical position, would make it a special location for research.

Astronomy: The high altitude of the Siachen Glacier would enhance astronomical research high above much of the earth's atmosphere. The remoteness of the location, far away from sources of light pollution, is an advantage for astronomy.

Geology: The potential to increase geological knowledge about this region is great. A more detailed understanding of rock origins as well as plate tectonic movements could be developed through systematic study of local rock outcroppings. Palaeontology studies of fossil records in the area could further define the geologic history of the area.

Atmospheric Sciences: Atmospheric science would benefit from a more comprehensive study of weather patterns in the complex terrain of the Himalaya. A series of meteorological stations could enable more accurate weather forecasting. A study of atmospheric and ice-bound pollution could also provide useful information on global as well as regional pollution concerns.

Glaciology: Glaciology studies can provide insight into climatic variations throughout history. Snowfall and glacial melt provide the source of rivers such as the Indus. Therefore, hydrologic studies may provide insight into relationships among snowfall, glacial activity, and river flows in critical water resources.

Life Sciences: Biological and botanical studies of life in this high, harsh environment would also add to the collective body of scientific knowledge.

Physiology: Controlled physiological studies of the effects of high altitude on humans are possible in this high-altitude laboratory. This could lead to improved methods for preventing high altitude sicknesses and for treating those who suffer from them.

Psychology and Behavioural Sciences: Investigating the effects of a multinational group working together for prolonged periods in this hostile climatic environment would be a valuable study.

In addition, engineering knowledge could be gained from the deployment and operation of such a science centre. Lessons will be learned in the design, deployment, and operation of the severe climate shelters needed. Many of the communications and logistical issues associated with supplying and maintaining a remote installation would provide a chance to add to knowledge and demonstrate cooperation on these subjects.

The centre can also serve as a test bed for characterising and operating monitoring systems in a severe environment. One can even envision a Siachen Worldwide Website that could include information from the glacier. The Australian Antarctic Division has such a capability on their Internet site, in which photographs and current weather conditions at their Mawson Station in the Antarctic can be viewed.

There are nearly endless possibilities for research and monitoring opportunities in such a centre. The topics listed above are only intended to be representative of those that may be of interest to South Asian countries. Establishment of such a centre could include a research board that could accept proposals for those wishing to pursue scientific or technical projects in the glacier environment.

While the concept of cooperative scientific research may be new for South Asia, there are many precedents for different features of this proposal. There is an extensive history of people working together in confined spaces in hostile environments. These include remote outposts such as lighthouses, radar sites, and military outposts (including the Siachen itself). Commercial enterprises, such as mineral and oil exploration, often include the establishment of remote outposts to develop and operate mines or oil fields. Cold weather oil production stations, such as the one in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, present another precedent from which to draw experience in designing, building, and operating the needed equipment and facilities. Other candidate programmes from which to gain knowledge useful in establishing a Siachen Science Centre include naval submarine programmes and the US and Russian space station and space shuttle programmes. However, the most applicable precedents for establishing a South Asian centre in the Siachen area are scientific stations and outposts in the Arctic and the Antarctic.

International efforts for cooperative Arctic research include examples of land-based stations, ship-based research, ice-based monitors, and remote-transmitting buoy networks. The land-based stations are established in particular countries but have scholars and advisory boards that represent international participation. One example is the Arctic Centre in Finland, which has an advisory board of 13 members representing nine countries. A decision to deploy national research stations at Siachen could be addressed in a similar fashion.

Another cooperative example is that of the International Arctic Buoy Programme that maintains a network of automatic data buoys in the Arctic Basin to monitor pressure, temperature, and ice motion. The programme is funded and managed by eight countries, and over 24 international research institutes participate in data collection and assessment. The Siachen area could provide a similar opportunity to engage a variety of international participants in a similar cooperative research programme.

Particularly pertinent to the Siachen issue is the precedent of the Antarctic Treaty of 1959. The treaty set aside the entire continent for peaceful scientific use only and outlined the requirements for successful coexistence on the continent.

Since its entry into force in 1961, 39 countries, including the seven original claimants to portions of the continent, have become signatories to the treaty. Under the terms of the Treaty, all claims are held in abeyance for the term of the Treaty and no new territorial claims can be submitted. India is one of the state parties to the Treaty having signed it in 1983. The Indian Department of Ocean Development coordinates and executes the national Antarctic programme and maintains stations including one at Maitri Antarctica (70045'S, 11044'E) which is operated throughout the year. The Pakistanis, although not signatories to the Antarctic Treaty, maintain the Jinnah Station in Antarctica through their National Institute of Oceanography.

The Antarctic Treaty bans any military activity in the defined area and prohibits nuclear testing. It limits national programmes to those of scientific research and ensures the free exchange of information and scientists among countries. Inspection rights are granted to the facilities and operations of other countries with a presence on the continent. Provisions are made to have an open skies regime, enabling aerial observation at any time over any and all areas of the Antarctic by any of the Contracting Parties that have the right to designate observers. Regular consultative meetings of the signatory states are held and disputes are resolved by peaceful negotiation including use of the International Court of Justice.

Currently 25 nations maintain a full-time presence on the continent. As of today, the treaty has been in force for 37 years and represents one of the great accomplishments of international cooperation. Research in the Antarctic is pursued in many of the scientific disciplines suggested for the Siachen Science Centre. In the case of astronomy, for example, the Advanced Telescope Project (ATP) and South Pole Infrared Explorer (SPIREX) project collect information on the astronomical qualities of the region and study faint stars and galaxies.

While not a perfect model for South Asia, there are many features of the Antarctic Treaty that might be considered for application in Siachen. Some of these include demilitarisation of the area of concern, dedication of the area to scientific research, establishment of research centre(s) that share information and are open to joint inspection, deferring resolution of territorial claims, and resolving disputes through peaceful means.

Resolution of the Siachen Glacier dispute will require both political will and the monitoring and confidence building measures necessary to ensure compliance with agreements reached. The political will to address issues of conflict in South Asia is growing as India and Pakistan begin the second half of their first century of independence. The governments of India and Pakistan appear interested in establishing increased dialogue and cooperation. The conflict over the Siachen Glacier now appears to be a good candidate for such cooperation. A Siachen Science Centre may offer one piece of the solution.

THE ANTARTIC TREATY

A model for Saichen?

Article I

Antarctica shall be used for peaceful purposes only. There shall be prohibited, infer alia, any measures of a military nature, such as the establishment of military bases and fortifications, the currying out of military manoeuvres, as well as the testing of any types of weapons. The present Treaty shall not prevent the. use of military personnel or equipment for scientific research or for any other peaceful purpose.

Article IV

1. Nothing contained in the present Treaty shall be interpreted as: a renunciation by any Contracting Party of previously asserted rights of or claims to territorial sovereignty in Antarctica;  a renunciation or diminution by any Contracting Party of any basis of claim to territorial sovereignly in Antarctica which it may have whether as a result of its activities or those of its nationals in Antarctica, or otherwise; recognition or non-recognition of any other State´s right of or claim or basis of claim to territorial sovereignty in Antarctica.
2. No acts or activities taking place while the present Treaty is in force shall constitute a basis for asserting, supporting or denying a claim to territorial sovereignty in Antarctica or create any rights of sovereignty in Antarctica. So new claim, or enlargement of an existing claim, to territorial sovereignty in Antarctica shall be asserted while the present Treaty is in force. (emphasis added)

Article VII

In order to promote the objectives and ensure the observance of the provisions of the present Treaty, each Contracting Party whose representatives are. entitled to participate in the meetings referred to in Article IX of the Treaty shall have the right to designate observers to carry out any inspection provided for by the present Article. Observers shall be nationals of the Contracting Parties which designate them. The names of observers shall be communicated to every other Contracting Party having the right to designate observers, and like notice shall be given of the termination of their appointment.

Each observer designated in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 1 of this Article shall have complete freedom of access at any time to any or all areas of Antarctica.

All areas of Antarctica, including all stations, installations, and equipment within those areas, and all ships and aircraft at points of discharging or embarking cargoes or personnel in Antarctica, shall be open at all limes to inspection by any observers designated in accordance with paragraph 1 of this article.

Aerial observation may be carried out at any time over any or all areas of Antarctica by any of the Contracting Parties having the right to designate observers.

Each Contracting Party shall, at the time when the present Treaty enters into force for it. Reports from the observers referred to in Article VII of the present Treaty shall be transmitted to the representatives of the Contracting Parties participating in the turnings referred to in paragraph 1 of the. present Article.

Article X

Each of the Contracting Parties undertakes to exert appropriate el forts consistent with the Charier of the United Nations, to the end that no one engages in any activity in Antarctica contrary to the principles or purposes of the present Treaty.  This facilitate the exercise of their functions under the present Treaty. and without prejudice to the respective positions of the Contracting Parties relating to jurisdiction over all other persons in Antarctica, observers designated under paragraph 1 of Article VII and scientific personnel exchanged under sub paragraph 1 (b) of Article III of the Treaty [relating to exchange oft scientific personnel between expeditions and stations), and members of the staffs accompanying any such persons, shall be subject only to the jurisdiction of the Contracting Party of which they are nationals in respect of all acts or omissions occurring while they  are in Antarctica for the purpose of exercising their functions.

Without prejudice to the provisions of paragraph 1 of this Article and pending the adoption of measures in pursuance of subparagraph 1 (e) of Article IX, the Contracting Parties concerned in any case, of dispute with regard to the exercise of jurisdiction in Antarctica shall immediately consult together with a view to reaching a mutually acceptable solution.

Article IX

1. Representatives of the Contracting Parties named in the preamble to the present Treaty shall meet at the City of Canberra within two months after the date of entry into force of the Treaty, and thereafter at suitable intervals and places, for the purpose of exchanging information, consulting together on mailers of common interest pertaining to Antarctica, and formulating and considering, and recommending to their Governments, measures in furtherance of the principles and objectives of the Treaty, including measures regarding: use of Antarctica for peaceful purposes only, facilitation of scientific research in Antarctica; facilitation of international scientific cooperation in Antarctica: facilitation of the exercise of the rights of inspection provided for in Article VII of the Treaty: questions relating to the exercise of jurisdiction in Antarctica: preservation and conservation of living resources in Antarctica.

3 Reports from the observers referred to in Article VII of the present Treaty shall be transmitted to the representatives of the Contracting Panics participating in the meetings referred to in paragraph 1 of the present Article. [para 2 omitted]

Article X

Each of the Contracting Parties undertakes to exert appropriate efforts consistent with the Charter of the United Nations, to the end that no one engages in any activity in Antarctica contrary to the principles or purposes of the present Treaty. This article reinforces the underlying intent that all efforts be. made to meet the spirit as well as letter of the Treaty.

Article XI

1. If any dispute arises between two or more of the Contracting Parties concerning the interpretation or application of the present Treaty, those. Contracting Parties shall consult among themselves with a view to having the dispute resolved by negotiation, inquiry, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, judicial settlement or other peaceful means of their own choice.
2. Any dispute of this character not so resolved shall, with the con sent, in each case, of all parties to the dispute, be. referred to the International Court of Justice for settlement but failure to reach agreement or reference to the International Conn shall not absolve parties to the dispute from the responsibility of continuing to seek to resolve it by any of the various peaceful means referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article.