News & Announcement
Weeklong High Altitude Rescue Training Commences at Tsongu
Gangtok, November 4, 2025: A weeklong High Altitude Disaster Rescue Training commenced at 17th Mile, Tsongu, situated at an altitude of 10,500 feet today.
The training, held from November 4 to 8, 2025, is the first of its kind to be organised at such an elevation.
The programme is being conducted by the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Gangtok, in collaboration with the Mountain Adventure Institute of Sikkim (MAIS) under the direction of Mr Tushar G Nikhare, District Collector cum Chairman, DDMA.
The training aims to enhance the preparedness and response capacity of local volunteers and first responders operating in high-altitude regions.
The inaugural session was graced by ADC Gangtok, Mr Sisum Wangchuk Bhutia, as the Chief Guest. In his address, he congratulated the participants for taking part in this unique and challenging training programme. He commended their enthusiasm and urged them to complete the course with dedication, stating that their commitment to public service deeply inspired him.
Earlier, Mr Sonam Wongyal Lepcha, Joint Director, DDMA, highlighted the importance of such specialised training in areas like Tsongu, which are prone to natural calamities and where immediate response from external agencies is often delayed due to terrain and weather challenges. He emphasised that training local volunteers will significantly improve the speed and effectiveness of rescue operations. The Joint Director also stressed the need for physical fitness and teamwork in ensuring the success of high-altitude rescue missions.
Ms Bijayata Kharel, Deputy Director, DDMA, and Mr Kunzang Gyatso, Principal, MAIS, were also present during the inauguration ceremony. The training will include practical sessions on high-altitude survival techniques, casualty evacuation, first aid, and rope rescue operations.
This initiative marks an important step toward strengthening community-based disaster preparedness and building a network of trained volunteers capable of responding to emergencies in remote and high-altitude regions of Sikkim.
The training, held from November 4 to 8, 2025, is the first of its kind to be organised at such an elevation.
The programme is being conducted by the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Gangtok, in collaboration with the Mountain Adventure Institute of Sikkim (MAIS) under the direction of Mr Tushar G Nikhare, District Collector cum Chairman, DDMA.
The training aims to enhance the preparedness and response capacity of local volunteers and first responders operating in high-altitude regions.
The inaugural session was graced by ADC Gangtok, Mr Sisum Wangchuk Bhutia, as the Chief Guest. In his address, he congratulated the participants for taking part in this unique and challenging training programme. He commended their enthusiasm and urged them to complete the course with dedication, stating that their commitment to public service deeply inspired him.
Earlier, Mr Sonam Wongyal Lepcha, Joint Director, DDMA, highlighted the importance of such specialised training in areas like Tsongu, which are prone to natural calamities and where immediate response from external agencies is often delayed due to terrain and weather challenges. He emphasised that training local volunteers will significantly improve the speed and effectiveness of rescue operations. The Joint Director also stressed the need for physical fitness and teamwork in ensuring the success of high-altitude rescue missions.
Ms Bijayata Kharel, Deputy Director, DDMA, and Mr Kunzang Gyatso, Principal, MAIS, were also present during the inauguration ceremony. The training will include practical sessions on high-altitude survival techniques, casualty evacuation, first aid, and rope rescue operations.
This initiative marks an important step toward strengthening community-based disaster preparedness and building a network of trained volunteers capable of responding to emergencies in remote and high-altitude regions of Sikkim.