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adding new article w/ infobox

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{{Short description|Civil infrastructure project in Ladakh, India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2023}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2023}}
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name = Himank
| image =
| caption =
| nickname = The Mountain Tamers
| start_date = {{Start date and age|df=yes|1985|12|04}}
| country = {{IND}}
| type = [[Army]], [[Engineering]]
| role = To construct and maintain motorable roads in Ladakh along the [[Line of Actual Control]]
| garrison = [[Leh]], [[Ladakh]], [[India]]
| garrison_label = Headquarters
| anniversaries = Raising Day: 05 December; BRO Day: 7 May
| motto = Shramena Sarvam Sadhyam
| website = [https://bro.gov.in bro.gov.in]
| commander1 = Lt. Gen.
Raghu Srinivasan<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lt General Raghu Srinivasan assumes charge as Border Roads Organisation chief |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/lt-general-raghu-srinivasan-assumes-charge-as-border-roads-organisation-chief-2442853-2023-10-01 |access-date=2023-10-02 |website=India Today |date=October 2023 |language=en |archive-date=24 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231024022437/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/lt-general-raghu-srinivasan-assumes-charge-as-border-roads-organisation-chief-2442853-2023-10-01 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| commander1_label = [[Director general|Director General]]
| commander2 = Brigadier Vishal Srivastava <ref>{{Cite web |title=Delegation comprising officials from MoRTH, Project Himank calls on Hon'ble Lt Governor Brig (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd. {{!}} The Administration of Union Territory of Ladakh {{!}} India |url=https://ladakh.nic.in/delegation-comprising-officials-from-morth-project-himank-calls-on-honble-lt-governor-brig-dr-bd-mishra-retd/ |access-date=2023-12-05 |language=en-US}}</ref>
| commander2_label = Chief Engineer
}}
'''Himank''', also known as '''Project HIMANK''' is a project of the [[Border Roads Organisation]] under the [[Ministry of Defence (India)|Ministry of Defence]] of India. It was established in August 1985 to facilitate the construction of road infrastructure in Ladakh and parts of [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]] under the [[India–China Border Roads]] project. The project is also involved in providing all year access to military bases and outposts in [[Siachen Glacier|Siachen glacier]], along the [[Line of actual control]] and areas near the [[Pangong Tso]] lake.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Himank |url=http://bro.gov.in/indexmain.asp?lang=1&projectid=39&cat_id=2 |url-status=dead |access-date=2023-12-05 |website=Border Roads Organisation |archive-date=1 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701223023/http://bro.gov.in/indexmain.asp?lang=1&projectid=39&cat_id=2 }}</ref>

It has constructed the highest motorable road in the world at Umling La at height of {{convert|19300|ft|m}} along with roads in [[Khardung La]], [[Tanglang La]] and [[Chang La]]. The project also provided access from Leh to [[Kargil]] during the [[Kargil War]] in May 1999. Its work in some locations is constrained to only a few months in a year due to extreme climatic conditions. The project undertakes [[Snow removal|snow clearance]] works every year to keep major roads in strategic area in Ladakh open during winters.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sharma |first=Reeta |date=2002-10-26 |title=Land of passess made passable |work=[[The Tribune]] |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20021026/windows/main1.htm |access-date=2023-12-05 |archive-date=22 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022075404/https://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20021026/windows/main1.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Agencies |date=2023-03-25 |title=Border Roads Organisation opens Leh-Manali Highway in 138 days |url=https://theshillongtimes.com/2023/03/26/border-roads-organisation-opens-leh-manali-highway-in-138-days/ |access-date=2023-12-05 |website=The Shillong Times |language=en-US |archive-date=26 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326012440/https://theshillongtimes.com/2023/03/26/border-roads-organisation-opens-leh-manali-highway-in-138-days/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Command structure==
[[File:Himank - Drive slow.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Drive Slow sign by Himank in the Nubra Valley, Ladakh, India.]]
The project is divided mainly into the 16th task force, 753rd task force and 50th task forces which facilitates works in the areas of [[Spituk]], [[Thiksey]] and [[Durbuk|Durbok]] respectively. Both of these task forces include numerous [[Company (military unit)|companies]] which in turn include [[platoon]]s and [[Detachment (military)|detachments]]. Project Himank is led by a Chief Engineer of [[Brigadier]] rank. The task forces are headed by a [[commander]] of [[Colonel]] rank, while the companies are headed by an [[officer commanding]], usually of [[Major (rank)|Major]] rank.<ref>{{Cite web |title=eProcurement System Government of India |url=https://eprocure.gov.in/eprocure/app?component=$DirectLink&page=FrontEndViewTender&service=direct&sp=SsAXIXpvZAuEBFBfQig80uA== |access-date=2023-12-05 |website=eprocure.gov.in}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Yumpu.com |title=CA NO CDR 753 BRTF/ /2011-12 - Border Roads Organisation |url=https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/31453516/ca-no-cdr-753-brtf-2011-12-border-roads-organisation |access-date=2023-12-05 |website=yumpu.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-02 |title=Border Roads Organisation 755 BRTF/PROJ HIMANK/BRO, Hanle, Ladakh (UT) and GREF/50 BRTF/ PROJ HIMANK/BRO, Durbuk, Ladakh (UT) - Alma Times |url=https://almatimes.in/border-roads-organisation-755-brtf-proj-himank-bro-hanle-ladakh-ut-and-gref-50-brtf-proj-himank-bro-durbuk-ladakh-ut/ |access-date=2023-12-05 |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Major works==
The project has connected numerous villages and townships including [[Umling La|Chisumle]] and [[Demchok, Ladakh|Demchok]] with the highest motorable Umling La road.<ref>{{Cite web |last=PTI |date=2017-11-02 |title=BRO builds world's highest motorable road in Ladakh at 19,300 feet |url=https://www.livemint.com/Politics/YpojBHOzLBVypMDOylGPXJ/BRO-builds-worlds-highest-motorable-road-in-Ladakh-at-1930.html |access-date=2023-12-05 |website=mint |language=en}}</ref> In 2016, the project constructed two strategic bridges namely the Himank Setu and Tsultak Bridge across the Shyok river and Phiya Lung Nallah respectively.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2016-07-18 |title=Taming of the Shyok: BRO constructs Himank Setu |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/taming-of-the-shyok-bro-constructs-himank-setu/articleshow/53264686.cms |access-date=2023-12-05 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=5 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231205113356/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/taming-of-the-shyok-bro-constructs-himank-setu/articleshow/53264686.cms |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Excelsior |first=Daily |date=2016-08-21 |title=BRO constructs bridge on Phiya Lung Nallah |url=https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/bro-constructs-bridge-phiya-lung-nallah/ |access-date=2023-12-05 |website=DailyExcelsior |language=en-US |archive-date=12 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212185956/http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/bro-constructs-bridge-phiya-lung-nallah/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The project has constructed and maintains the [[Darbuk–Shyok–DBO Road]] which leads to [[Daulat Beg Oldi]], a military base along the line of actual control.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-06-11 |title=Explained: The strategic road to DBO |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/lac-stand-off-india-china-darbuk-shyok-daulat-beg-oldie-dsdbo-road-6452997/ |access-date=2023-12-05 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=11 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200611003958/https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/lac-stand-off-india-china-darbuk-shyok-daulat-beg-oldie-dsdbo-road-6452997/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The construction of a new tunnel along the DBO road is also under progress.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-01-04 |title=Exclusive: भारत और चीन के बीच तवांग में हुए संघर्ष के बाद बॉर्डर रोड ऑर्गेनाइजेशन का प्लान 2023 |url=https://www.timesnowhindi.com/india/border-road-organization-plan-2023-after-the-conflict-between-india-and-china-in-tawang-article-96740884 |access-date=2023-12-05 |website=Times Now Navbharat |language=hi |archive-date=28 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128080628/https://www.timesnowhindi.com/india/border-road-organization-plan-2023-after-the-conflict-between-india-and-china-in-tawang-article-96740884 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bro.gov.in/WriteReadData/linkimages/9886029359-Landmark.pdf|title=Achievements of West Dte during the F/Y 2016-17|access-date=2023-12-05|archive-date=7 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107072329/http://www.bro.gov.in/WriteReadData/linkimages/9886029359-Landmark.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

The construction of the [[Sasoma–Saser La Road]] on the [[Siachen glacier]] and Likaru-[[Mig La]]-Fukche road at an altitude of {{convert|19400|ft|m}} is also underway.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-19 |title=In Ladakh, construction for world's new highest motorable road begins. Details |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/in-ladakh-construction-for-worlds-new-highest-motorable-road-begins-details-101692411157867.html |access-date=2023-12-05 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en |archive-date=15 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230915190706/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/in-ladakh-construction-for-worlds-new-highest-motorable-road-begins-details-101692411157867.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The construction is possible for a short period of time every year due to extreme cold and geographical challenges.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-11-18 |title=World's First Galciated Motorable Road Being Laid in Ladakh by BRO Amid Extreme Weather Conditions |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/worlds-first-galciated-motorable-road-being-laid-in-ladakh-amid-extreme-weather-conditions-by-bro-1942829.html |access-date=2023-12-05 |website=News18 |language=en |archive-date=9 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609091851/https://www.news18.com/news/india/worlds-first-galciated-motorable-road-being-laid-in-ladakh-amid-extreme-weather-conditions-by-bro-1942829.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The project has also experimented the construction of plastic roads using waste [[low-density polyethylene]], [[high-density polyethylene]], [[polyethylene terephthalate]], and [[polyurethane]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=sbmgramin |date=2023-08-28 |title=Ladakh provides plastic waste to Project Himank |url=https://sbmgramin.wordpress.com/2023/08/28/ladakh-provides-plastic-waste-to-project-himank/ |access-date=2023-12-05 |website=Swachh Bharat (Grameen) |language=en |archive-date=2 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230902093232/https://sbmgramin.wordpress.com/2023/08/28/ladakh-provides-plastic-waste-to-project-himank/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The project is also constructing a [[Construction 3D printing|3D printed]] air despatch unit in [[Chandigarh airport]] which aims to provide logistical support to the project.<ref>{{Cite web |last=PTI |title=BRO DG inspects construction of air dispatch unit touted to be 'world's largest 3D concrete printed campus' |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/punjab/bro-dg-inspects-construction-of-air-dispatch-unit-touted-to-be-worlds-largest-3d-concrete-printed-campus-2698942 |access-date=2023-12-05 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en |archive-date=5 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231205113309/https://www.deccanherald.com/india/punjab/bro-dg-inspects-construction-of-air-dispatch-unit-touted-to-be-worlds-largest-3d-concrete-printed-campus-2698942 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Road signs==
Project HIMANK is known to install humorous road signs along roads in Ladakh, photos of which are the subject of the book ''Peep Peep Don't Sleep''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-04-12 |title=20 Ridiculously Witty Road Signs You Will See On The Way To Ladakh |url=https://www.scoopwhoop.com/entertainment/witty-road-signs/ |access-date=2023-12-05 |website=ScoopWhoop |language=en |archive-date=31 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331072059/https://www.scoopwhoop.com/entertainment/witty-road-signs/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last1=Jain |first1=Ajay |title=Peep peep, don't sleep |last2=Dubey |first2=Nimish |date=2008 |publisher=Kunzum, travel imprint of TCP Media Pvt. Ltd |isbn=978-81-906007-2-9 |edition=1 |location=New Delhi}}</ref> Signboards, notably those in the [[Nubra Valley]], offer philosophical statements from singer [[Patti LaBelle#LaBelle as Philosopher|Patti LaBelle]], French author [[Jules Renard]], singer-songwriter [[Jimmy Buffett]] and early Zionist [[Jessie Sampter]].

==Photo gallery==
{{Commons category|Himank road signs}}
{{Gallery
|title=
|width=250
|height=200
|align=center
[[File:Peep, Peep - Don't Sleep. Sign in Ladakh. 2010.jpg|thumb|]]
|File:Jules Renard quotation on Himank BRO sign board in the Nubra Valley, Ladakh, Northern India.JPG|
|File:Jessie Sampter quotation on Himank BRO sign board in the Nubra Valley, Ladakh, Northern India.JPG|
|File:Jimmy Buffett Himank BRO sign in Nubra Valley, Ladakh, Northern India.jpg|
|File:Himank - God is One.jpg|
|File:After Whiskey Driving Risky. Jispa to Leh.jpg|
|File:If Married Divorce Speed. Ladakh.jpg|
|File:Peep, Peep - Don't Sleep. Sign in Ladakh. 2010.jpg|
}}

==See also==
*[[Project Vartak]]
*[[Project Dantak]]
*[[Project Shivalik]]

==References==
<references />

[[Category:Government agencies established in 1985]]
[[Category:Transport in Ladakh]]
[[Category:1985 establishments in Jammu and Kashmir]]
[[Category:Border Roads Organisation]]

Project Himank - Revision history

TheHH: adding new article w/ infobox