Context:
India and China are waiting for the 19th round of Corps Commander level talks to resolve their disputes regarding constructions along the borders.
About Pangong lake:
- 135-km long landlocked Saline lake
- Location – Ladakh Chinese border at an altitude of over 14,000 feet.
Mountain spurs of the Chang Chenmo range jutting down into the glacial lake are referred to as ‘fingers’.
- Indian and China have around one-third and two-thirds of Pangong Tso Lake respectively.
- It is a kind of endorheic basin – retains its water and does not allow outflow of its water to other external water bodies, such as oceans and rivers.
- It is known for its remarkable ability to change colors, transitioning from various shades of blue to green and even red.
- 5 sub-lakes: Pangong Tso, Tso Nyak, Rum Tso (twin lakes) and Nyak Tso
- Chinese Constructions –
- Road connectivity along the south bank towards Shandong village.
- A Chinese air defence site is located east of the Khurnak fort.
- A tunnel connecting Yuli(China) and Tibet.
- Indian Constructions –
- Construction of black-topped road towards Finger 4.
- Darbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldie (DSDBO) road through the Saser La.
Source: The Hindu