BJP Member of Parliament Nishikant Dubey has stirred a political debate by raising fresh concerns in Parliament over a missing nuclear-powered surveillance device reportedly placed near Nanda Devi in Uttarakhand by the United States' Central Intelligence Agency during the 1960s. In a strongly worded statement, Dubey accused the Nehru-Gandhi family of remaining silent on the issue, claiming that their approach reflected a submissive attitude toward American interests during the Cold War era.
The device in question, according to historical accounts, was part of a joint Indo-US operation aimed at monitoring Chinese nuclear activity. The mission allegedly involved the placement of a nuclear-powered tracking device near the Nanda Devi mountain. However, due to severe weather, the device was lost and never recovered. Environmentalists and strategic analysts have expressed concern over its possible radioactive impact on the Himalayan ecosystem.
Dubey alleged that successive Congress governments failed to investigate or acknowledge the implications of the missing device. He further stated that the Nehru-Gandhi family's leadership prioritized diplomatic ties with the United States over India's national security and environmental safety. His remarks were aimed at highlighting what he described as a long-standing pattern of foreign dependency under previous Congress-led regimes.
The Congress party responded swiftly, dismissing the allegations as baseless and politically motivated. Party spokespersons pointed out that the incident dates back several decades and that raising it now is an attempt to divert attention from current governance challenges. They also criticized the BJP for using historical events selectively to question the legacy of former Prime Ministers like Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi.
The debate over the missing device has occasionally surfaced in public discourse due to its mysterious disappearance and potential environmental risks. Over the years, several mountaineering expeditions and scientific teams have reportedly attempted to locate the device, but it remains untraceable. Experts have said the device used a small amount of plutonium, which, if leaked, could pose long-term risks to the glacial ecosystem.
Environmental activists have repeatedly called for a renewed search operation and scientific assessment of the region. However, no formal investigation has been conducted in recent years. Dubey urged the government to conduct a detailed probe into the historical records and seek clarity on the geopolitical and environmental consequences of the incident.
This latest political exchange reflects the continued use of historical controversies in current debates. As Parliament continues its monsoon session, the remarks made by Nishikant Dubey have added to the growing tension between the ruling and opposition parties.
The incident has once again drawn public attention to the lesser-known aspects of Cold War-era intelligence collaborations and their long-term implications for India’s sovereignty and environmental safety.
