Kolkata, Sep 4 (IANS) Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang flagged off “Shikhar”, the fourth mountaineering expedition of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), to Mount Jongsong on Friday.
Mount Jongsong is a 7,462 metres high peak in Sikkim, located at the border with China and Nepal.
The expedition will be conducted from September 4 to October 11.
The expedition team comprises a total of 41 members.
“The expedition will be a challenging test of the team’s mountaineering skills, operational preparedness, physical and mental endurance, courage, discipline, determination and team spirit,” an NDRF official said.
During the flag-off, Chief Minister Tamang conveyed his best wishes to the expedition team for this courageous and challenging endeavour.
He recalled the devastating earthquake that struck Sikkim in 2011 and said that, during that difficult and challenging period, the NDRF responded promptly and provided significant assistance to the people of Sikkim through its rescue and relief operations.
Despite the difficult circumstances, the personnel of NDRF carried out rescue and relief operations with utmost promptness, courage and dedication.
The Chief Minister also recalled the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) disaster of 2023 and said that, during the incident, NDRF rescuers reached extremely remote and high-altitude areas and extended necessary assistance and relief to the affected communities.
The prompt response and courage displayed by NDRF personnel under such challenging geographical conditions were highly commendable.
Chief Minister Tamang also mentioned the recent tunnel operation and expressed his gratitude to the dedicated rescuers of NDRF.
He appreciated the professionalism, courage and commitment demonstrated by NDRF personnel during such challenging rescue operations.
He expressed confidence that, in the future as well, the Sikkim government and NDRF will continue to work together with the same spirit of coordination, cooperation and mutual trust, ensuring a prompt and effective response to disasters and thereby minimising the loss of lives and property.
“The Chief Minister (Prem Singh Tamang) appreciated the continuous efforts being made by NDRF in the field of disaster management and conveyed his gratitude and best wishes to all the personnel of the force for their dedicated service,” the official said.
Sikkim Chief Secretary Ravindra Telang, Director General of Police Akshay Sachdeva and NDRF Director-General Piyush Anand were present at the occasion.
The others present included Hariom Gandhi, NDRF Deputy Inspector General; Rinzing Chewang Bhutia, Sikkim Relief Commissioner; and Manish Ranjan, 2nd Battalion NDRF Commandant, along with other senior officers, dignitaries and members of the expedition team.
The guests visited the equipment gallery, where specialised equipment and resources used by NDRF for operations in difficult and challenging mountainous terrain were displayed.
A presentation highlighting NDRF’s capabilities, preparedness and commitment towards disaster response was also made.
“A special highlight of the programme was the felicitation of 12 Aapda Mitra volunteers by the Chief Minister. The honour was conferred in recognition of their significant contribution towards strengthening community-based disaster management and public awareness,” the official added.
The team commander of the expedition, Deputy Commandant Nitish Sharma, briefed the gathering about the objectives and mission of the expedition, as well as the preparations made by the team.
Thereafter, the Chief Minister formally inaugurated the expedition “Shikhar” by handing over the expedition flag to him.
The programme also featured an impressive disaster management demonstration presented by NDRF personnel and school children.
Prior to this, the NDRF has successfully conducted three mountaineering expeditions. These include Expedition “Sahas” to Mt. Bhagirathi-II (Uttarakhand) in 2023, Expedition “Vijay” to Mt. Manirang (Himachal Pradesh) in 2024 and Expedition “Shaurya” to Mt. Kedar Dome (Uttarakhand) in 2025.
According to the official, Expedition “Shikhar”–2026 reflects the spirit of NDRF’s motto, “Aapda Seva Sadaiva Sarvatra”.
The expedition is not only a symbol of courage, determination, discipline and excellence, but will also further strengthen NDRF’s capabilities, operational preparedness and disaster response proficiency to operate effectively and safely in challenging high-altitude areas.
–IANS
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