The defence forces have requested environmental clearance to build additional ammunition storage facilities in Ladakh. This effort is aimed at boosting ammunition supplies for military operations, especially in Eastern Ladakh, a forward area near China that has experienced tensions in the past, according to a report by the Economic Times.

Between April and July, the security force proposed additional measures to strengthen security in Lukung, a village near Pangong Tso, and in Durbuk. India and China have been in a standoff in eastern Ladakh since the Galwan Valley clash in June 2020. Last month, both countries agreed to disengage at key friction points and reached a final agreement on patrolling in the area.

According to the report, the environment ministry must approve the defence forces' plans to set up Formation Ammunition Storage Facilities (FASF) and underground caverns in strategic locations. Hanle and Photi La have been suggested as sites for these FASF units. Photi La, one of the highest motorable passes, is located 30 km from Hanle and connects to Demchok. Currently, ammunition is stored over 250 km from Hanle and 300 km from Photi La, leading to delays in supply and affecting operational readiness.

With these FASF units in place, ammunition can be stored securely and supervised more closely, improving supply efficiency and readiness. Ahead of Diwali on November 1, India and China completed their troop withdrawal from two disputed areas, Demchok and the Depsang Plain. This follows the deadly clash in the Galwan Valley, which was the worst conflict between the two countries in over 40 years and led to the loss of 20 Indian soldiers. The new agreement will allow patrols to return to the way they were before April 2020.