Archive · 16 Dec 2025
Lost CIA Nuclear Device Near Nanda Devi Sparks Debate
A long time ago, in 1965, the CIA and the Indian government worked together to put a special device powered by plutonium near a tall mountain called Nanda Devi in the Himalayas.
This device was supposed to help them listen to secret signals from China.
But during a bad snowstorm, the team had to leave the device behind, and it was never found again.
Recently, people have been talking about this lost device again, especially after some big floods and disasters in the area.
Some people are worried that the device might be causing these disasters, but scientists say it's not likely.
The Indian government has said that the device is not dangerous, but many people still have questions and concerns about it.
A plutonium-fuelled generator (SNAP-19C RTG) was lost near Nanda Devi in 1965 during a joint Indo-American mission.
The device was intended for a high-altitude surveillance station to intercept Chinese missile telemetry data.
The device was abandoned during a severe blizzard and never recovered despite extensive search efforts.
In 1978, Prime Minister Morarji Desai acknowledged the incident in Parliament, assuring no health or environmental hazards.
Recent natural disasters in Uttarakhand have reignited debates about the lost device's potential environmental impact.
- Who
- CIA and Indian government during the Cold War
- What
- Lost plutonium-fuelled generator (SNAP-19C RTG)
- When
- 1965 (lost), 1978 (acknowledged by Indian government)
- Where
- Near Nanda Devi, Himalayas, India
- Why
- To install a high-altitude surveillance and telemetry station to intercept Chinese missile telemetry data
- Device Type
- Plutonium-fuelled generator (SNAP-19C RTG)
- Year Lost
- 1965
- Location
- Near Nanda Devi, Himalayas
- Plutonium Amount
- 2-3 pounds of Plutonium-238
- Government Acknowledgment
- 1978 by Prime Minister Morarji Desai
- Scientific Consensus
- No evidence of environmental or health hazards
- Recent Events
- 2021 Rishiganga flood reignited discussions
- Current Status
- Device never recovered