SIACHEN HIGH ALTITUDE RESEARCH FACILITY, SIARI A STRATEGIC HIMALAYAN RESEARCH STATION TO PROMOTE SCIENTIFIC ADVANCEMENT AND PEACEFUL COOPERATION AT THE HIGHEST BATTLEFIELD OF THE WORLD SHUBHAYAN MODAK | DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE, TOWN & REGIONAL PLANNING | INDIAN INSTITITE OF ENGINEERING SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, SHIBPUR
This report was handed over to his Hon’ble President of the Republic of India Shree Pranav Mukherjee by Dr. Ajoy Kr. Roy, respected Director, IIEST Shibpur in presence of Dr. K. Radhakrishnan. Chairman, Board of Governors, IIEST Shibpur during his vsit to the institute campus on the 19th of May, 2017.
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Copyright @ Shubhayan Modak, ‘17.
SIACHEN HIGH ALTITUDE RESEARCH FACILITY, SIARI
a I ampersonal no t e My first identity will always be a proud Indian. Shubhayan Modak after that, an architecture
graduate from Indian Institute of Engineering Science & Technology, Shibpur who wants to be a professional explorer/journalist in future. You can always engage me in activities with a cause, which I find worthy. And that prcisely is my reason for dedicating my undergraduate thesis for the cause of Siachen Glacier; the cause is peace, its dominance over inhuman motives of war and bloodshed! It was about 9 years ago way back in school when I got introduced to the Siachen Glacier, and I have waited for this a long time! Finally, when my thesis is done, and I have completed this project with a lot of apreciation and ‘pats on my back’, my happiness knows no bounds! However, this is not the end of this journey! This is a mere start! I visited Leh during the chilling cold months of January 2017, and amidst bone chilling temperatures of negative twenty, I fell in love with that place! I went there to do a first hand case study of DIHAR, Leh, and I want to go again! Getting permissions weren’t hard, but they were a lot of hassle! There has been tough spells, I knew nothing to start with, and it was a constant fight in the darkness in desperate search for a hope of light. When light came, it was sudden and quick, and I was standing amidst clapping professors and friends in the final jury room! And that has been an absolute magnificence of a moment! I am glad I never backed out. There were moments I wanted to, but I am proud that I didn’t. I am happy I hold on to every piece of loose string to get till here! I am happy I didn’t fear the subzero or the cruciating cold of January Leh! I am happy I didn’t surrender to my apprehensions of not getting any solid link to proceed! And I promise to never give up. I promise to fight for the truth and the rightful. I promise to be a human, and at the end, I promise to fight for my country and serve my motherland with the best I can. I promise to never fear. Till the end.
F ORE WORD
This paper intends to elaborately describe the proposal
of setting up a high altitude scientific facility to conduct scientific research and experiments in and around the Siachen Glacier. The concept implemented is to completely replace the military presence atop the Siachen Glacier with a scientific one. The inspiration for this initiative has been derived from my personal interest in military affairs, specially, the Siachen Glacier. The papers published on demilitarization of the Siachen Glacier by Sandia National Laboratories jointly authored by Brig. (retd.) Gurmeet Kanwal of Indian Army and Brig. (retd.) Asad Hakeem of Pakistan Army has been a major factor in convincing myself that peace can be brought back to the glacier. I have considered the frameworks devised by Kent L. Biringer, Principal Member of the Technical Staff, Sandia National Laboratories, Alberesque, USA in his report titled ‘Siachen Science Centre- A Concept for Cooperation at the Top of the World’ in forming my own proposal for the Research Facility as of now. Giuliano Tallone in his paper titled ‘Siachen Peace Park: a case study for the valorisation of high mountain ecosystems’ prepared for the workshop on Transboundary Protected Areas in the Governance Stream of the 5th World Parks Congress, Durban, South Africa has provided ample reasons as to why this conflict is a baseless affair, and is doing serious harm on the sensitive high altitude ecosystem. Harish Kapadia wrote an article titled ‘A Siachen Peace Park?’ which was published in The Alpine Journal, 2004. A proud father of a Kashmir terrorist attack martyr, he has been in the forefront of this movement to bring back peace in the glacier. I was a thrill seeker by nature since my youth, and this was the reason my interest in Siachen grew when I came across a chapter on the Siachen Conflict in our english book in my 8th standard. The story was entirely new back
that time, and I was highly fascinated in the facts and figures that the army jawans fought against for survival. Come 2016 and the sad news of an avalanche hitting one of the Indian outposts on the northern Siachen at an altitude of 19,600 ft shook the nation. There were 10 deaths including the brave Lance Naik Hanumanthapa who survived the hit, but ultimately succumbed to multiple organ failures in Delhi. I was moved deeply by the sufferings of my fellow countrymen posted at places and situations beyond civilian imagination, and it was then that I decided to try to do something in my power. The first question I faced was why did I take up such a project for my undergraduate thesis. I had a tough time convincing my parents that there is negligible risk in doing my thesis project on a politically sensitive issue, and in a place disturbed by millitant infiltration and regular military activities. Being an Indian, it is one of my responsibilities to serve my nation, and I believe that through this initiative, I will be able to strongly put forward the cause of peace and establish its necessity above those of gunfire, bloods and bullets! The second, and more important question was what would be the role of an architect in this! The answer to this is simple. As individuals, we should always in our own power stride to establish the ideas we believe in and try to achieve the same. I believe in peace, and I took up this thesis because after a lot of study, I was able to convince myself that the pseudo-war going on the glacier is futile, and represents the extravagant display of military supremacy over a matter of politically motivated cartographic aggression. There is no dispute over the fact that I am not qualified, nor authorised to design solutions to this problem by myself; however, I banked upon previous proposals of demilitarization and setting up a peace park in the area by internationally recognised organisations and laboratories for developing my own set of contributions. Being an architecture student, I could contribute through my design, and I decided to do the same. My initial thoughts were to propose
a peace memorial for the fallen jawans of the Siachen Conflict. However, after a discussion with Col. K.S.S. Rathod of ADG-PI, Indian Army, I was convinced that we need peace, and not peace memorials. I found out an interesting proposal of converting the entire Siachen region into a scientific park, and after some thought, I decided to move forward. The idea of setting up a Siachen High Altitude Research Facility consumed me, and there was no need to turn back. Designing bases for research or military purposes is a different branch of architectural specialisation. There are offices dedicated to designing commercial, institutional or hospitality buildings; similarly there are firms who design such structures for scientific, military and research purposes. There are only a handful of offices who deign the same, and I find this very inspiring, my inspiration being fuelled by my intrest in military and expeditional pursuits. As an architect, my primary responsibility is to produce a working design for the base. The knowledge I have gained in my last four and a half years is an obvious help for me; selecting a site strategically and climatologically significant, and considering all the guidelines to design such a facility is a challenging job for a student like me, but I take this up with the desire to produce a design to my level best. Situations severe like the Siachen should be resolved in the line to reduce human suffering, and I believe my path tries to do the same. As an architect, my responsibility is only to design a base for my thesis, however as a human, it is to reduce the sufferings of my fellow humans, and I intend to try to do that. Being a liberated individual, I value the human life way more than my nationality, and I strongly believe that death should only come when He wants it, and not in the hands of a fellow being. With this intention, I have proceeded to the details of my endeavour, with a request for assistance and support from all of you. Thanks. Shubhayan Modak Siachen High Altitude Research Facility, Siari | 1
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Looking back, I have come to realise that my journey over the past 5
years has been a wonderful journey of my life. Innumerable series of events have coalesced into one big chapter, my thesis being the very last of it. Establishing the context, I therefore take this opportunity to express my gratitude to my thesis supervisors Prof. Subrata Kumar Paul & Prof. Parthasarathy Mukhopadhyaya for his constant support, and under who’s abled guidance, I am pursuing this thesis. I am especially thankful to Brigadier Gurmeet Kanwal of the Indian Army for his constant support towards my efforts. I would also want to thank Colonel K.S.S. Rathod and Major Anshul Gaur from the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI), Indian Army for their guidance and help in receiving the required permissions for my case study. From the Department of Architecture. T. & R.P., IIEST Shibpur, I thank our head of the department and thesis co-ordinator Prof. Keya Mitra for her kind co-operation in all the aspects. The two persons who deserve special mention are Dr. O.P. Chaurasia and Dr. Tshering Stobdan from Defence Institute of High Altitude Research, Leh for their support and help during my study visit to Leh. I thank Dr. Anand K. Singh from National Centre for Antarctic and Oceanic Research, India for his special help during the initial phases of my project. My thesis would have been incomplete without the sincere efforts of my juniors Hiran, Soumyodeep and Sourav, Abhirup and Mahindra, and support and valuable inputs from my seniors, Ar. Som Roy, Ar. Anurag Biswas, Ar. Samiran Mandal, Ar. Arijit Debnath and Ar. Arunava Putatunda. And of course, thanks to all my friends, batchmates, and well wishers for their constant togetherness. Lastly, the biggest bow to my family, my parents without whom I wouldn’t have been here! Thanks to them for all their mental and psychological support, as well as for providing me with the necessary financial backbone to work without any hinderances.` Shubhayan Modak 2 | Siachen High Altitude Research Facility, Siari
contents
1.THE SIACHEN CONFLICT a. Background d. Siachen Glacier: Timeline b. Peace atop the glacier?
2. SIACHEN HIGH ALTITUDE RESEARCH FACILITY a. Abstract b. Structure and function of the facility c. Possibilities of research and expedition d. Objective e. Methodology f. Site Analysis g. Site Surroundings h. Stakeholders i. Landsharing j. S.W.O.T. Analysis k. Planning & Design Considerations l. Planning & Design Implications m. Vertical Zoning n. Site Plan o. Floor Plans p. Elevations q. Sections r. External & Internal Views s. Photo Gallery
T h e
S i a c h e n
C o n f l i c t
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background
iachen Glacier is located in the eastern Karakoram range in the Himalaya Mountains at about 35.421226°N 77.109540°E, just northeast of the point NJ9842 where the Line of Control between India and Pakistan ends. The glacier is located in the disputed Kashmir region and is claimed by India and Pakistan. In spite of the severe climate, the word `Siachen` ironically means `the place of wild roses`, a reference some people attribute to the abundance of Himalayan wildflowers found in the valleys below the glacier, but specifically refers to the thorny wild plants which grow on the rtocky outcrops. The glacier is also the highest battleground on Earth, where India and Pakistan have fought intermittently since 1984. Both countries maintain permanent military personnel on the glacier at a height of over 7,000 metres. The site is a prime example of mountain warfare. The glacier`s melting waters are the main source of the Nubra River, which falls into the Shyok River. The Shyok in turn joins the Indus River, crucial to both India and Pakistan. The roots of the conflict over Siachen lie in the non-demarcation of the cease-fire line on the map beyond a map coordinate. The 1949 Karachi agreement and the 1972 Simla Agreement presumed that it was not feasible for human habitation to survive north of this coordinate. Prior to 1984 neither India nor Pakistan had any permanent presence in the area. In the 1970s and early 1980s Pakistan permitted several mountaineering expeditions to climb high peaks on this glacier. This was to reinforce their claim on the area as these expeditions arrived on the glacier with a permit obtained from the Government of Pakistan. Once having become aware of this in about 1978, Colonel N. Kumar of the Indian Army mounted an Army expedition to Teram Kangri peaks as a counter-exercise. The first public mention of a possible conflict situation was an article by Joydeep Sircar in The Telegraph newspaper of
Indian Army base at the Siachen Glacier Calcutta in 1982, reprinted as “Oropolitics” in the Alpine Journal, London, in 1984. India launched Operation Meghdoot (named after the divine cloud messenger in a Sanskrit play) on 13 April 1984 when the Kumaon Regiment of the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force went into the Glacier. Pakistan, which had also gotten wind of it quickly responded with troop deployments and what followed was literally a race to the top. Within a few days, the Indians were in control over most of the glacier as Pakistan were beaten by just a week. The two passes due to Indian military pre-emption – Sia La and Bilfond La were secured by India while the Gyong La pass remained under Pakistan control. Since then both sides have launched several attempts to displace each
other’s forces, but with little success. At present, the Indian Army controls a few of the topmost heights, holding on to the tactical advantage of high ground, however with Pakistani forces in control of Gyong La pass, Indian access to K-2 and other surrounding peaks has been blocked effectively and mountaineering expeditions to these peaks continue to go through with the approval of the Government of Pakistan. The situation is as such that Pakistanis cannot get up to the glacier, while the Indians cannot come down. Presently India holds two-thirds of the glacier and commands two of the three passes including the highest motorable pass – Khardungla Pass. Pakistan controls Gyong La Siachen High Altitude Research Facility, Siari | 5
pass that overlooks the Shyok and Nubra chartered service to the glacier`s nearest air link, the Thoise airbase, Cheetah Helicopters are used to keep toops supplied river Valley and India`s access to Leh mainly to fly the soldiers. Pakistan`s PIA flies tourists and trekkers daily district. The battle zone comprised an to Skardu, which is the jumping off point for K2, although bad weather inverted triangle resting on NJ 9842 with frequently grounds these scheduled flights. The glacier`s melting waters Indira Col and the Karakoram Highway are the source of the river Indus, a vital water source for both India and as the other two extremities. Every Pakistan. Global warming has had its worst impact here in the Himalayas year more soldiers are killed because with the Glacier melting at an unprecedented rate. On average, one of severe weather than enemy firing. Pakistani soldier is killed every fourth day, while one Indian soldier The two sides have lost close to 4,000 is killed every other day. Over 1,300 Pakistani soldiers have died on personnel primarily due to frostbites, Siachen between 1984 and 1999. According to Indian estimates, this avalanches and other complications. operation had cost India over Rs. 50 billion and almost 2,000 personnel Both nations have 150 manned mirroring casualties till 1997. Almost all of the casualties on both sides have been outposts along the glacier, with some due to extreme weather conditions. 3,000 troops each. Official figures for Source: http://www.siachenglacier.com/ maintaining these outposts are put at ~$300 and ~$100 million for India and Pakistan respectively. The Indians rely on helicopters made indigenously, which are probably the only choppers that can reach such heights, whereas Pakistan has simplified the logistical nightmare by building roads and paths to all of its positions across the glacier. India has also built the world`s highest helipad on this glacier at a place called Sonam, which is 21,000 feet above the sea level, to serve the area and ensure that her troops are kept supplied via helicopter support (adding to considerable cost). During her tenure as Prime Minister of Pakistan, Ms Benazir Bhutto, visited Gyong La pass making her the first premier from either side to visit the glacier. On June 12, 2005, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the glacier calling for a peaceful resolution of the problem. In the previous year, the President of India, Abdul Kalam became the first head of state to visit the area. Indian Army moving through waist deep soft snow atop the Glacier India based Jet Airways plans to open a 6 | Siachen High Altitude Research Facility, Siari
Siachen Glacier: Timeline
1889: Sir Frances young husband suggests the glacier is much longer than suspected. 1909: Tom Longstaff establishes the truth length of glacier, pushing the natural boundary with Chinese Turkestan(Xinjiang provinces). 1912: Expedition of Fanny Bullock Workman and Willam Hunter Workman. 1915-1918: World War 1 Gebirgskrieg at the Dolomites(Alps). 1947: Partition, independence of India, creation of Pakistan. 1948: First India-Pakistan war over kashmir. 1949: Karachi agreement, Cease-Fire line(CFL) between the Indian and Pakistani forces over kashmir, supervised by U.N. 1971: India – Pakistan war results in the creation off bangladesh. 1972: Shimla agreement, Cease-Fire line with minor deviations converted into Line Of Contol, glacier stay undemarcated. 1975: Japanese expedition with mountaineering permits abtain from Pakistan. 1978: Indian army climbing expedition enters the Siachen glacier via the Nubra valley. 1983: Indian army sends patrol on the glacier, Pakistani army protests. 1984: Operation Meghdoot. 1985: Indo-Britesh expedition with the logistics support from the Indian army. 1986: Indo-US expedition is allowed on the glaciers. 1987: Serious fighting in which one Pakistani post at a height of about 6450 m is captured by the Indians.(Qaid Post/ Baba Post). 1989: Fighting at Gyong La. 1999: Kargil War. 2003: Cease-Fire between India and Pakistan in Kashmir and at the Siachen glacier. 2012: Avalanche hits a Pakistani army base at Gyari killing 140 peoples, renewed calls for demilitarization of the Glacier. The 13th of diplomatic negotiations to solve the situations ends with a decision to hold another round. 2014: The glacier remains militarised 30 years after operation Meghdoot. 2016: Avalanche kills 10 Indian Jawans 2017: Undergraduate thesis on Siachen High Altitude Research Facility, Siari 20??: Demilitarization of the Siachen Glacier and establishment of Uninhabited Zone 20??: Setting up the Siachen Peace Park premises 20??: Construction of the proposed Facility for scientific and research purpose 20??: The peace park opens and scientific research proceeds smoothly.
Pe ace atop the gl acier?
A
part from being the harshest and highest battlefield in the whole world, Siachen is also an inevitable geographical shield, retaining control over which is necessary for benefits, both military, and internationally political in nature. This place sees more deaths owing to the harsh weather than through bullets, or army gun fires. The recent example of our brave Hanumanthappa who survived the Siachen avalanche, but succumbed to death after he was rescued, along with confirmed reports of the death of eight other jawans, guarding one of the Siachen outposts took the nation by shock. Many have died in the conflict zone of Jammu & Kashmir, the count easily crosses thousands and more, and Siachen, with all its hardships and climatic factors, claim the lives of jawans guarding the Saltoro Ridge from a height of 6000 metres from MSL. If one ponders about the current situation of the Siachen Glcier and the ongoing display of military supremacy between two rival countries, the futility of it comes to the surface. The climatic extremes of the place renders it futile for human activities, and can be called as a no man’s land. The ongoing war maybe important for political and military reasons, but in the longer run, peace is inevitable. The primary reasons for establishing peace on the Siachen Glacier are as follows: • The ongoing ceasefire situation is futile, claiming only human lives. • Climatic extremes claim more lives than enemy gun fires! • This area is virtually inaccessible, and so, chances of terrorist infiltration though this glacier is almost nil. • An absurd amount of precious national resource, human, financial as well as ammunitions is being spent here, which could be reallocated for more useful purposes. • Army activities, waste and garbage generated adversely affects the highly sensitive ecosystem. • The indigenous flora and fauna have vanished owing to human interference and changing climate, which must return. • It is a futile cartographic battle over an area which is uninhabitable by human life, and so, unnecessary. Siachen High Altitude Research Facility, Siari | 7
SIACHEN HIGH ALTITUDE RESEARCH FACILIT Y A STRATEGIC HIMALAYAN RESEARCH STATION TO PROMOTE SCIENTIFIC ADVANCEMENT AND PEACEFUL COOPERATION AT THE HIGHEST BATTLEFIELD OF THE WORLD
Science has been the leading factor in advancing worldwide research and exploration. The continent of Antarctica has been fully used for international scientific research and explorations. Setting up a peace park in a zone which has been suffering from the grim aftereffects of politically motivated clashes is a tough initiative, and science and its causes for advancement of human civilization is a much required tool to bring about this proposal from paper to reality.
ABSTRACT
The purpose of seting up a high altitude research facility is to replace the military presence in the Siachen area with a scientific one. Kent L. Biringer in his paper (Siachen Science Centre: A Concept for Cooperation at the Top of the World, SAND 98-0505/2) have proposed the same and has gone on to elaborate the details of research and explorations which are possible in the area. While there are differing views on the military significance, the Siachen 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 both sides through disengagement of troops from the region. In 1989 and again in 1993, a settlement on the issue was nearly reached. The costs in financial and human terms of continuing this confrontation makes it an excellent candidate for cooperation while minimizing strategic or military disadvantage. Possibilities of research in such an area is virtually limitless. While the nature of an agreement on Siachen could take many forms, the option of setting up a research station assumes an agreement in which a designated area would be set aside for peaceful scientific use only. The signatories to such an agreement would seek peaceful coexistence. Establishing a center for scientific
research in the Himalayas would provide a unique location as well as the possibility to be integrated into other regional and international networks of scientific research station.
own job roll. It can be staffed with scientists, engineers, explorers as well as technicians, and support personnel for cooking, maintenance as well as communication and medical requirements.
STRUCTURE & FUNCTIONING OF THE FACILITY
POSSIBILITIES OF RESEARCH & EXPEDITION
The Siachen High Altitude would comprise of a Research Base at an accessible altitude and smaller scale research outposts located at higher hostile environments. The entire research facility would be located within a designated zone in the Karakoram Range including the entire Siachen Glacier. The Research Base would constitute of a full-fledged research station including research laboratories, accommodation facilities, power and amenity sources as well as other facilities necessary to run the station. The remote sites would be small field sites which may be manned or occasionally visited by research expedition troops. All research information and samples collected from the outposts will be analyzed and tested at the Research Base. The Centre can also serve as a test bed for characterization and operation of monitoring systems in a severe environment. These sensors could include cameras, ground & motion sensors, environmental and meteorological equipment, as well as remote power systems such as wind generators and solar photovoltaic arrays. One can even envision a Siachen World Wide Web site that could include monitoring information from the glacier. The administration of this facility is proposed to be handed over to an international scientific conglomeration formed specifically for this purpose. An international team formed by scientists from various fields to preside over as Directors of research and exploration can be a feasible option. This Facility can accept applications for independent research and exploration from candidates along with conducting its
The unique location of the facility in a remote altitude provides almost unlimited opportunities for scientific research and lookout. A few options have been listed below: • Edaphic Studies – Research in areas pertaining to the earth like geology, pedology, paleontology as well as glaciological studies. • Atmospheric Studies – Exploring the weather patterns in the complex Himalayan terrain is a great possibility that can be obtained from here. Weather forecasting can be a daily job roll. A station like this can be instrumental in monitoring the atmospheric layers, ozone depletion as well as effects of pollution. • Astronomical Studies – The high location will facilitate astronomical research in the clear atmosphere. The remoteness of the location away from sources of light pollution is an advantage for astronomy. 1 • Biological Sciences – Studying the effects of the high altitude climate on the physical and mental state of the team on board to understand the effects of cold on human body would be of tremendous help to develop medicines and products for countering them. Medical researches for improving high altitude medicines are possible. Investigating the psychological effects of a multinational group working together for prolonged periods in such a hostile climatic environments is also possible. • Scientific Expeditions – This station can efficiently serve as a start off point to scientific and adventure expeditions in higher altitudes too! With inputs from Kent L. Biringers report titled “Siachen Science Centre” from Sandia National Laboratories, Alberquerke, USA
Siachen High Altitude Research Facility, Siari | 9
objectives
The objectives of setting up a High Altitude Research
Facility in a remote location are as follows: •To establish permanent peace in the Siachen Glacier by complete demilitarization. • To establish a moral code of bonding between the two nations by providing a concrete solution of a major conflict in the Kashmir issue which will act as an encouragement in future for putting an end to the Kashmir Conflict permanently. • The primary objective of this project is to produce the working set of design and drawings for running a high altitude scientific research base in the proposd site. • The building aims to be a single consolidated block, the design of which is one of the primary objectives. • On a site level, the design of facilities like helipad, field research layouts, water filtration plants and other service units falls under the aegsis of the primary objectives. • Secondary objectives to this project will include the Private-Public Partnership structures of community participation. • The local populace will be involved in procuring resources for the sustainance of the members in the facility, and other jobs including daily maintainance of the facility. • The facility in return will be involved in the general infrastructural and moral upliftment of the nearby villages by providing technical help, and other beneficial aids through the form of special schemes and year wise targetted plans. • This base will serve as the start point of all mountaineering expeditions as well as the priliminary base camp to support trekkers in their way. The primary objective of this project is to bring peace to the entire gacier by putting forward the necessity of peace (engineered through science) above those of blood bullets. All my objectives aim to do that.
10 | Siachen High Altitude Research Facility, Siari
Methodology
1. Initial interest in the Siachen Glacier through various secondary sourches of information viz magazines, newspaper, online portals and videos. 2. Personal research on the Siachen Conflict including a detail study of the problem leading to realisation of the futility of the conflict. 3. Introduction of the Siachen Peace Park concept through online sources 4. Siachen Science Centre: Promoting the cause of science to bring back peace in the highest battleground of the world 5. Poposal of a Siachen High Altitude Research Facility as my undergraduate thesis topic 6. Preparation of a preliminary thesis proposal by undertaking primary infrmation collection and interviews of relevant personalities involved in the same 7. Identifying similar establishments around the world, and fixing options for pimary and secondary case study 8. Conducting the primary and secondary case study, identifying the site by strategically sorting the possible options 9. Drawing the inferences from the case study and preparing the design guidelines based on the inferences drawn 10. Preparing the prposed area statement of the facility with references to the case study and guidelines 11. Preliminary horizontal and vertical zoning on the site level and building level 12. Preparing a basic design form of the facility based on the area programming and functional analysis 13. Identifying the faults and loose ends and refining the design solution to a better design including self sustaining principles 14. Drawing on a final solution by narrowing down on the generated options to stabilise the design methodology 15. Developing of the proposed design on a detail level by showing details of the structure and service facilities 16.
Preparation of the final documents for proper communication of the concept to the target audience, preparing necessary drawings, illustrations and models to depict the same
Siachen High Altitude Research Facility, Siari | 11
s i t e a n a ly s i s
Location:
Aerial view of the site area
Siari Village, Line of Control bw. Republic of India & Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Shyok Valley District: Leh(India), GilgitBaltistan(Pakistan) Coordinates: 34 deg. 55 min. N, 76 deg. 44 min E Site Area: 9.2 acres (37200 sq. m) Altitude: 9220 ft above Mean Sea Level Seismic Zone: Zone 4 Climate: Cold Desert Climate Nearest Settlement (India): Turtuk, 14.8 km Nearest Settlement (Pakistan): Turtuk, 20.6 km Accessibility: Non motorable roads from Turtuk, motorable access form Hassanabad Chorbat Surroundings: Predominantly rural
Siari
is a village located on the Line of Control between India and Pakistan occupied Kashmir. The small village is spread across both the sides of the Shyok river, and many people refer to the northern side of the land as Fraono. The majority of the population belongs to the muslim ethnicity, and are of Balti origin.
12 | Siachen High Altitude Research Facility, Siari
si t e surrounding s The pedestrian bride serving as the main acess from the Indian Side
The terrain is mountaneous terrain, with the ground being hard rocky in nature
The entire area is predominantly agricultural economy
The population is predominantly Muslim, having Balti origin
s ta k ehol der s
In a project like this with high political and military significance, the stakeholders of the project should be specified particulrly, and the terms laid out before the parties in order to ensure hastle free operation. The strategic importance of the project is huge, impacting an entire geogaphic coridoor from both the countries. Under such situations, the primary stakeholders are the two countries of Republic of India, and Islamic Republic of Pakistan. They will be the primary land and property holders, and hence, a smooth code of opeation & conduct must be chartered, duly signed by the investing nations. The facility being a reaearch oriented base, the interntional scientific community will have vested interests in the experiments and founds, turning into the major intellectual stakeholder. The local stakeholders will be the common people residing in the area. They can be termed as secondary stakeholders as this facility will rely on these population for their sustainance, and in return will provide development opportunities to them.
L A ND SH A RING
The concept of landsharing in this project is extremely important owing to the stakeholders being the countries involved. This concept employs the fact that a part of the land will be in the country of India, and another part of the land will be in Pakistan. This ensures that a portion of the investment is present in the other country, ensuring legitimate decisions regarding the same. Having a portion of land in the project ensures the sense of belongingness, and this sense of belongingness will instill the sense of protectiveness. Ideally, the site for this project should be such that the Line of Control pass through the site. However, my site lies just beside the Line of Control on the Pakistani side at Siari, where the Joint Command Centre for the monitoring of Siachen Glacier is planned to be set up in a future case of complete demilitarization. 14 | Siachen High Altitude Research Facility, Siari
S.W.O.T. A n a lysis
Having done the case studies, I have obtained a preliminary idea of the requirements of my facility along with the areas that need to be allotted to the facility. The site analysis helped me to obtain a greater insight into the physiology of the site, and I have a knowledge of the Strength, Weakness, Opportunity and Threat analysis of the site.
STRENGTH
OPPORTUNITY
• The opportunities this site provides for an internationally significant project is limitless. • The village of Siari was selected by the panel of experts who discovered the concept of Demilitarization to be the site for setting up the Joint Military Command centre for monitoring the Siachen area. • In case the glacier gets demilitarized, this area would be on the forefront as a choice of site for setting up the Joint Command Centre. • Once the entire area is demilitarized, this site will be taken up for immense development by the primary stakeholders leading to development of most of the facilities for safe sustainance of the research base. • The future possibilities of this place in transforming itself to the research base of the world’s highest battlefield turned peace park is endless, the setting up of this facility is a mere start to future potntials. • Opportunitis this place will provide to international scholras for scientific explorations and experiments in future will be virtually limitless. • This place will in the future also act as the gateway to all mountaining and expedition attempts to the unaccessible higher heights in the Glacier area.
• The site sits atop a rocky outcrop on the bank of Shyok river, and is well above the basin, protecting the site in case of an accidental flood. • The strategic significance of this site lies in its extreme proximity to the existing line of control. Strategically for both the countries to exert its legitimate control, it is ecessary to give the the sense of belonging, and the concept of land sharing intends to do that. • The site sits just beside a village, aiding in the easy procurement of THREATS • The threat to the site area under present conditions include terrorist infiltration and militant activities sustaining resources from the same. • The place has direct connectivity to the NJ9842 point, ensuring in the village of Siari, and aggressive military behavior to gain land access. However, once the peace park is set up, all such threats and possibilities of the same gets nullified. fast transportation to the startoff point. • The Siachen Glacier is accessible from the proposed site by narrow mountain passes, and is abot 70 km by air. • The relatively higher height of the site ensures smooth helicopter landing operation. • Presence of the Shyok river beside the site ensures a coninuous supply of freshwater.
WEAKNESS
• The extreme climatic variations in the place posses a problem for the normal suatainance of human beings as we are not acustomed to such extremes. • The terrain has extreme contours, posing a problem in smooth transportation. • The off course setting of the site makes it a problem for fast acces to the same from the nearest access ports like Diskit and Leh on the Indian side, and Goma on the Pakistani side. • There is no existing motorable roads present that gives direct access to the site, posing the necessity of th e construction of a motorable road before this project is being implemented in the future.
design details: Considerations, implications, zoning, proposed plans, elevations, sections & views planing & design considerations
1. EXTREME CLIMATIC CONDITIONS: A wintertime min. of neg. 35 deg. means the structure will be cold resistant. 2. ISOLATED OFF-GRIS LOCATION: Implies that the building should be a standalone unit with self running facilities completely cut off from the world at stretch. 3. EARTHQUAKE ZONE 4 (KARAKORAM SUB BELT 3): The building has to be designed having maximum earthquake resistance. 4. CONTOUR PROFILE: The hard rockbed as well as the contour will have major implicitations into the design. 5. SERVICE CONSIDERATIONS: The above factor only means the building will have high service requirements.
planing & design implications
1. Extreme Cold Climate - Compact single building block to conserve heat and prevent surface heat loss from the walls. 2. Contour site- Buildings placed according to areas available in the contour profile, building is designed according to the contour profile. 3. Off Grid Location- Building is designed to sustain itself in complete cutoff state for a minimum of two weeks. 4. Power & HVAC- Exclusive power generation & inhouse HVAC facility to keep the building powered, and ventilated. 5. Water Filtration- In house water plant that purifies riverwater into potable quality as well as wastewater into pure water before final discharge. 6. Helipad Facility- Helipad for easy access to helicopter transportation in times of harsh climate. 7. Outdoor Plazas- Outdoor plazas for social activities during summertimes when temperature remains a moderate and comfortable ten deg. 16 | Siachen High Altitude Research Facility, Siari
v er t ica l zoning( space dis t ribu t ion )
site plan
1. 7.8 M wide access road 2. Parking space for six civilian vehicles 3. Main Entrance & Gallery Block 4. Strage, Maintainance, Comms & Admin Block 5. Main Research & Laboratory Block 6. Greenhouse, Residential & Entertainment Block 7. Power Generation & H.V.A.C. Block 8. Outdoor Plaza for seasonal recreation 9. War Memorial Plaza honouring the sacrificed 10. Sundial & Flag-Stand Plaza Siachen High Altitude Research Facility, Siari | 17
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HOUSES GALLERY, WORKSHOPS, IVMF, HVAC STATION, WATER FILTRATION PLANT & WASTEWATER PLANT
FIRST FLOOR PLAN @2726 M M.S.L.
HOUSES MAIN ENTRANCE, STORAGE GODOWNS & POWER GENERATION STATIONS
GROUND FLOOR PLAN @2722 M M.S.L.
SECOND FLOOR PLAN @2730 M M.S.L.
HOUSES NETWORK & COORDINATION OFFICES, POST OFFICE, ORIENTATION CENTRE, MAIN RESEARCH BLOCK & LABS, WEATHER STATION, GREENHOUSES, LABS & RESIDENTIAL PODS
THIRD FLOOR PLAN @2734 M M.S.L. HOUSES RESEARCH HEAD & DATA ROOMS, MEDICAL UNIT, FIRE & HAZARD MITIGATION, TELESCOPE CONTROL, FIRE TRAINING & ORIENTATION UNITS, RESIDENTIAL PODS & DORMITORY SPACES 20 | Siachen High Altitude Research Facility, Siari
FOURTH FLOOR PLAN @2738 M M.S.L.
HOUSES KITCHEN & DINING FACILITY, ICECREAM CORNER, INDOOR COURT, HANGOUT, RESI. PODS & DORMITORIES
FIFTH FLOOR PLAN @2742 M M.S.L.
HOUSES LIBRARY & MOVIE, GYMNASIUM, INDOOR COURT, HANGOUT, PODS & DORMITORY
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SIXTH FLOOR PLAN @2746.8 M M.S.L. HOUSES A.T.S. & HELIPAD
Schematic Water circulation The water system includes a pumping machine to pum[p river water from shyok, storage of riverwater, purifier and boiler. After the water is used, it returns to wastewater plant to get processed into purified potable water for reuse or discharge into Shyok ecosystem 22 | Siachen High Altitude Research Facility, Siari
final area statement
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f ron t EL E VAT ION OF T HE RE SE A RCH FACIL I T Y
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E A S T SIDE EL E VAT ION OF T HE RE SE A RCH FACIL I T Y
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LONGITUDINA LSECTION (AA’) OF THE RESEARCH FACILIT Y
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LONGITUDINA LSECTION (BB’) OF THE RESEARCH FACILIT Y
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LONGITUDINAL SECTIONAL VIEW OF THE RESEARCH FACILITY
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V IE W F ROM A P P ROACH ROA D
V ie w Show ing t he p e ace memori a l 32 | Siachen High Altitude Research Facility, Siari
En t r a nce bl ock
t he si achen sundi a l
In t erior v ie w of t he re se a rch bl ock
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bird’s e y e v ie w of t he facil i t y 34 | Siachen High Altitude Research Facility, Siari
En t r a nce l obby/ga l l ery
Semi op en void
indoor cour t
In t erior of a l i v ing p od
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f ron t side p er sp ec t i v e of t he facil i t y
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service specifications: on-site power generation ‘C AT ERP IL L A R’ GA S GENER AT OR SE T: ‘ E N E R C O N ’ E -7 0 W I N D T U R B I N E : ‘POWERFLEX’ PORTABLE SOLAR PANELS: P RIM A RY P OW ER s ource SEC ONDA RY P OW ER s ource T ER T I A R T P OW ER s ource
primar generator 8.1 MVA ‘CATERPLLAR’ gg set
secondary generator 3.6 MVA ‘CATERPLLAR’ gg set
emergency backup generator 1.5 MVA ‘CATERPLLAR’ gg set
Features
• Proven reliability and durability. • Ability to burn a wide spectrum of gaseous fuels • Robust diesel strength design prolongs life and lowers owning and operating costs. • Broad operating speed range. • Emission meets U.S. EPA Spark Ignited Stationary NSPS Emissions for 2007/8. •Advanced Digital Engine Management •Lean Burn Engine Technology •Gas Engine Rating Pro •All sample custom tested & stress handled prior OK certification & shipping. 38 | Siachen High Altitude Research Facility, Siari
Integrates with roof surface
• No mounting hardware • No roof penetrations • No additional wind load
Lightweight
• 3.5 kg/m2 (0.7 lb/ft2) with adhesive • No structural reinforcement required
High efficiency CIGS
• Up to 12.7% aperture efficiency • 50% more efficient than flexible a-Si
High performance
• Performs well in all light conditions • Shade tolerant
Covers entire roof area
• Lays flat. No tilt required • No module spacing required • Conforms to roof shape
Large format module
• 250-300 Watts in 5.7m x 0.5m (224.4in x 19.68in) dimensions • 90-200 Watts available in shorter modules • 20% BOS & Installation cost savings
serv ice sp ecif icat ions: F UEL & P OW ER S T OR AGE FUEL STORAGE TANK: LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS
POWER STORAGEMODULAR UNITS
T E SL A P OW ERPACK
Cutting Edge
• State of the art battery system designed for efficiency and long life. Scalable • Flexible, infinitely scalable modular layout.
Turn-key
•Fully integrated, AC-connected solution with everything you need.
Microgrid -
Build a localized grid that can disconnect from the main power grid, operating independently and reinforcing overall grid resilience.
Power Production - Smooth and firm the output of a renewable power generation source such as wind or solar.
Capacity Reserve - Provide power and energy capacity to the grid as a standalone asset.
Grid reliablity - Charge or discharge instantly to provide frequency
regulation, voltage control, and spinning reserve services to the grid.
Transmission & Distribution Support -
Supply power and energy capacity at a distributed location to defer or eliminate the need to upgrade aging grid infrastructure. Siachen High Altitude Research Facility, Siari | 39
service specifications: water management systems ‘H Y D R O Z O N’ c o m pa c t r i v e r wat e r p u r i f i c at i o n s y s t e m ‘HEADWORKS’ compact WASTE water purification system
The HYDROZON drinking water compact units are suitable for almost all areas of use relating to drinking water treatment with filtration. Problem-oriented, fully automatic system can be implemented utilizing modular design. The rough distinction can be made between the following treatment processes as shown in the image beside.
System Structure
TWK systems are distinguished by: • Modular structure • Compact performance units from 5 to 200 m3/h filter performance, in group operation any quantities can be realised • Small space requirement • Operational reliability via perfected process technology, highquality materials and tried-and-tested control technology • Patented ozone production and mixing in the closed hydraulic system. • Optimised venturi / injector system with full-flow mixing for efficient ozone or oxygen introduction (for pure iron removal) Easy operation through touch panel and microprocessorbased control system, (operation limited to monitoring)
The Headworks Integrated Treatment System is a modular, compact, wastewater treatment plant that uses proven moving bed biofilm reactor (mBBr) technology to treat wastewater – with discharge effluents meeting stringent Bnr discharge requirements. the HIt system can be designed to provide complete Bod and nutrient removal along with clarification, tertiary filtration, and disinfection. at any given time, the system can be expanded to meet new discharge requirements or increasing flow rates.
ADVANTAGE:
• Small Footprint. • Operator Friendly. • Rapidly deployed. • Transportable. • Skid mounted. NUTRIENT REMOVAL • Expandable. • Reuse water is achievable.
APPLICATION:
• Decentralized system. • Residential Communities. • Office Buildings. • Hotels / resorts. • Labor & military Camps. • Sewer mining / water reuse. • Construction sites.
FINISHED PRODUCT Designed to reduce Bod to 10 mg/L, ammonia to 2 mg/L, and tss to 15 mg/L.
40 | Siachen High Altitude Research Facility, Siari
service specifications: water management systems ‘R E M E H A’ c o m pa c t r i v e r wat e r h e at in g/ s t o r a g e s y s t e m
‘loflow’ compact WASTE water pumping system
Remeha Commercial cylinders are manufactured from Duplex 2205 stainless steel to EN 1.4462, ASTM S3 2205/ S31803 (with PRE value of 35). This FerriticAustenitic steel combines high strength, excellent corrosion resistance and stress corrosion cracking resistance as well as excellent pitting resistance. This marine-grade Duplex gives a low thermal expansion and high chloride resistance. It has a great strength-to-weight ratio which allows the finished cylinder to be substantially lower than other materials. 2205 is a high specification grade of Duplex stainless steel, making it highly suitable for commercial water cylinders. 2205 has approximately twice the proof strength of standard 304 and 316 types of stainless steel, meaning it is well equipped to deal with the system pressures involved. The pitting and crevice corrosion resistance in potable water is greater than that of 316 stainless and other leaner alloyed Duplex stainless types often used in water cylinders. End users can therefore be assured of a long trouble-free service life. The Duplex metallurgical structure is carefully balanced to provide dual austenitic and ferritic phases, which provides the high strength level and acts as an effective impediment to stress corrosion and cracking. Remeha Commercial cylinders come with a 6 bar operating pressure as standard. The design options being maximised by this choice.
The LF 3196 i-frame process pump line is specifically designed to provide superior performance for low flow services of the Chemical Process Industries.
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service specifications: fire hazard fire Mitigation: Fire door
mitigation
fire sprinkler mechanisms
componant of fire sprinkler
• Underground brings water from the City Mains to your building • Water is then sent through a backflow. • All Systems usually require an FDC or Fire Department Connection to increase the water pressure during a fire. • Enters either the fire pump where it is pumped to a certain pressure, or is released into the Riser. • Risers “rise” vertically through the floors to feed the Branch Lines. • Branch Lines then extend off the Risers and Mains horizontally to bring water to all the sprinkler heads.
Dry fire sprinkler
• Require Air Pressure instead of water in the Branch Lines. • The Air Pressure holds down a Clapper Valve, so that water can not be introduced into the system, unless the air pressure is lost. • Used in areas that may freeze. • An air compressor keeps a constant pressure in the system. • When a Fire releases a sprinkler head, the air is released from the piping, and stops holding down the valve that was holding the water back, and water is released Dry Sprinkler Systems.
wet fire sprinkler
• Water is in branch lines and at the sprinkler heads at all times • Wet Systems cannot be in areas that may freeze • Water pressure must be maintained at all times • Water Pumps are put in place to keep water pressure at a certain PSI • There is no delay in time that water is put on the fire • Require the least maintenance
service specifications:blast & sound ‘paxcon’ blast mitigation compound
paxcon being applied to wall
the treated wall keep dummy safe from blast and debris
the left side is sprayed with paxcon while the right remain untreated
equivalent to 200lbs. of tnt and 5 lbs. of c4 detonated 30 feet from the structure
the wall crated with paxcon remains the standing while the untreated wall was quickely demolished.
the untreated wall was collapsed, throwing the debris inside the office and causing damage
mitigation
soundproofing
PAXCON® by LINE-X® offers a revolutionary development in blast mitigation. Known in military and research circles as an Energy Resistant Coating (ERC), the PAXCON coating is flexible, yet stronger than steel. This means that walls outfitted with PAXCON material can withstand explosions up to 20 times greater than a normal, uncoated wall. In the event of an explosion, the PAXCON-coated walls flex, but stay together.
APPLICATIONS
PAXCON can be applied to numerous types of structural materials: • WOOD • STEEL • PLASTERBOARD • CONCRETE • BRICK • BLOCK To demonstrate the coating’s abilities, explosive experts and researchers at New Mexico Institute’s Energetic Materials Research and Testing Center (EMRTC) conducted a series of explosions to confirm the protective capabilities of PAXCON®. Two identical concrete structures were built, one left uncoated and one coated with PAXCON. Both structures contained an office setting complete with dummy, desk, and computer equipment. Then a bomb the equivalent of 200 lbs. of TNT and 5 lbs. of C4 was detonated 30 feet from the structure. “The dummy in the PAXCON protected room was unscathed,” said Alan Perryman, EMRTC’s Research Engineer and Test Specialist. “A little dust kicked up, and the walls flexed and pounded like drums, but everything held up just fine. We at EMRTC are very impressed with the way the PAXCON protected room held up.”
There is a vast array of products marketed for use as soundproof flooring materials, and the choices can be confusing. The first step is to identify the noise problem(s) I want to address and apply the principles of soundproofing to outline a plan for the floor. Then I will know what kinds of soundproofing material I need, and I can choose suitable products from the categories that apply to your situation. I need to be sure to check any relevant building regulations and covenants, as they may limit or even dictate the materials I may use. Also, certain types of finished flooring may require the use of particular materials for underlayment. The soundproof flooring options will also of course depend on your available budget. Siachen High Altitude Research Facility, Siari | 43
Final Thesis Jury in progress on the 16th of May, 2017
The team rounding up in front of the physical model
The biggest thanks to both my guides
Final physical model of Siachen High Altitude Research Facility, Siari Siachen High Altitude Research Facility, Siari | 45
With Dr. Ajoy Kr. Roy, Director, IIEst Shibpur holding a copy of my thesis report in deep admiration of the peace proposal
t h a nk you