Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Gangtok: Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang sent a 41-member National Disaster Response Force team toward the summit of Mt Jongsong on Friday, September 4. The mission targets the 7,462-metre peak in the eastern Himalayas to sharpen high-altitude rescue skills. The climb runs through October 11. It involves 25 climbers, including two women, plus 16 support staff.
This mission serves a tactical purpose. The NDRF aims to master tough terrain and extreme weather conditions. The team spent weeks running drills in North Sikkim before heading out. Chief Minister Tamang handed the expedition flag to team leader Nitesh Sharma to mark the start.
The force has a history of major responses in the region. Tamang noted the team's work during the 2011 Sikkim earthquake and the 2023 Teesta floods. He also cited the Teesta Stage VI tunnel accident. The state wants more than just a summit badge. Tamang told the climbers to record data on glacial lakes. NDRF Director General Piyush Anand noted the strategy behind the trek: "The NDRF's focus was on both rapid disaster response and capacity building, including strengthening the preparedness of State disaster response forces and other frontline personnel."
Community readiness remains a priority for the state government. Officials have trained 1,185 people through the Aapda Mitra programme. Tamang used the event to honor 12 Aapda Mitra volunteers who marched in this year's Republic Day parade in New Delhi.
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