New Satellite Images Reveal Chinese Encroachment Near India's Pangong Lake; Experts Aren't Sure | Details

New satellite images of Chinese settlement near northern bank of Pangong Tso Lake was reportedly found amid ongoing tension between the two countries over border encroachment.

Reportedly an analysis done by a senior official reportedly states that the settlement might be on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual control.

Where Is This Alleged Settlement Located?

According to an NDTV report, the particular region is located 36 kilometers east of China's LAC.

A report by India Today cited an image captured by US-based Macar Technologies, which revealed that the alleged settlement encompasses an area of 17 hectares and has active machinery.

The report also quoted Y Nithiyanandam, Professor & Head of the Geospatial Research Programme at the Takshashila Institution, who said, "More than 100 buildings, including residential structures and larger administrative buildings, are being built. Open spaces and flattened land suggest possible future use for parks or sports facilities."

On the other hand the military sources told NDTV that the these construction of structures was done to "reduce potential impact of missile attacks" and to store logistics.

According to Nithiyanandam, the benefits of this location includes -

1. Reduced vulnerability to long-range attacks due to the staggered arrangement of structures.

2. Strategic location behind high peaks enhances protection and limits visibility from surrounding areas.

3. Concealment from land-based surveillance equipment makes the site harder to detect.

4. Efficient accommodation with smaller hutments designed for six to eight people.

5. Larger structures serve as administrative and storage facilities, centralizing operations.

6. Capability to function as an "ad-hoc forward base," enabling faster response times for military forces.

7. Effective logistics support for the storage and distribution of supplies and equipment.

8. Operational flexibility to accommodate a range of activities, from housing personnel to administration.

But a geospatial imagery expert Damien Symon told NDTV, "A major development initiative appears to be underway at this village, evidenced by the heavy machinery, including cranes, and substantial supply depots."

Lt. General DS Hooda (retired), the former Northern Army Commander has highlighted that the site dual uses as he explained, ''It enables China to say that they are only improving facilities for the civilian population, but this is clearly dual-use infrastructure that would be utilised by the military in a conflict.'' Hooda called it a 'long game' by China.