Press Release
Press release from District Disaster Management Authority, Gangtok
Information & Public Relations Department
Gangtok, November 8: The week-long High-Altitude Training Program, organised by the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) in Gangtok, in collaboration with the Mountaineering and Adventure Institute of Sikkim (MAIS), from 4th to 8th November for volunteers and disaster management officials, concluded successfully today at the 17th Mile Nathula Acclimatisation Centre.
The valedictory function was graced by Mr Abhijeet Patel, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Gangtok, as the Chief Guest. He was accompanied by Mr Milan Sherpa, Panchayat, 17th Mile, and Shri Nima Sherpa, Panchayat, Tsongu. Also present were Mr Sonam Wongyal Lepcha, Joint Director, DDMA, Ms Bijayata Kharel, Deputy Director, DDMA; Mr Kunzang Gyatso, Principal, MAIS; and Mr Deepak Chettri Course Coordinator.
During the ceremony, the participants expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the DDMA for organising such a fruitful and hands-on high-altitude rescue training program at an altitude of 10,500 feet. They also expressed their eagerness to enhance their skills further by participating in more such training opportunities in the future.
Two participants were recognised as the Best Trainees:
• Mr Suman Gadal, DM Assistant, Sang Rabdang
• Ms. Dezi Subba, DM Supervisor, Nandok BAC
Both have earned the opportunity to participate in a mountaineering expedition sponsored by the Mountaineering and Adventure Institute of Sikkim.
Addressing the gathering, SDM Gangtok Mr Abhijeet Patel congratulated all the participants for their dedication and assured full support from DDMA for future initiatives. He also emphasised the importance of maintaining an updated inventory of trained disaster management personnel.
Mr Milan Sherpa, Panchayat, 17th Mile, expressed his sincere gratitude to DDMA for selecting 17th Mile as the training venue and for providing such a valuable and practical rescue training program for the local volunteers.
Earlier, Mr Sonam Wongyal Lepcha encouraged the participants to keep practising the skills they had learned and to maintain physical fitness through regular exercise.
In his opening remarks, Mr Kunzang Gyatso, Principal, Mountaineering and Adventure Institute of Sikkim (MAIS), gave a detailed presentation on the various activities conducted during the five-day training program. He emphasised that participants were also trained to remain effective during rescue operations even in the absence of equipment. He further highlighted the importance of teamwork and coordination, noting that rescue teams operating in groups can respond more efficiently and safely during any disaster situation.
The program concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Ms Bijayata Kharel, Deputy Director, DDMA, who acknowledged the efforts of all officials, trainers, and participants in making the program a success.
The valedictory function was graced by Mr Abhijeet Patel, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Gangtok, as the Chief Guest. He was accompanied by Mr Milan Sherpa, Panchayat, 17th Mile, and Shri Nima Sherpa, Panchayat, Tsongu. Also present were Mr Sonam Wongyal Lepcha, Joint Director, DDMA, Ms Bijayata Kharel, Deputy Director, DDMA; Mr Kunzang Gyatso, Principal, MAIS; and Mr Deepak Chettri Course Coordinator.
During the ceremony, the participants expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the DDMA for organising such a fruitful and hands-on high-altitude rescue training program at an altitude of 10,500 feet. They also expressed their eagerness to enhance their skills further by participating in more such training opportunities in the future.
Two participants were recognised as the Best Trainees:
• Mr Suman Gadal, DM Assistant, Sang Rabdang
• Ms. Dezi Subba, DM Supervisor, Nandok BAC
Both have earned the opportunity to participate in a mountaineering expedition sponsored by the Mountaineering and Adventure Institute of Sikkim.
Addressing the gathering, SDM Gangtok Mr Abhijeet Patel congratulated all the participants for their dedication and assured full support from DDMA for future initiatives. He also emphasised the importance of maintaining an updated inventory of trained disaster management personnel.
Mr Milan Sherpa, Panchayat, 17th Mile, expressed his sincere gratitude to DDMA for selecting 17th Mile as the training venue and for providing such a valuable and practical rescue training program for the local volunteers.
Earlier, Mr Sonam Wongyal Lepcha encouraged the participants to keep practising the skills they had learned and to maintain physical fitness through regular exercise.
In his opening remarks, Mr Kunzang Gyatso, Principal, Mountaineering and Adventure Institute of Sikkim (MAIS), gave a detailed presentation on the various activities conducted during the five-day training program. He emphasised that participants were also trained to remain effective during rescue operations even in the absence of equipment. He further highlighted the importance of teamwork and coordination, noting that rescue teams operating in groups can respond more efficiently and safely during any disaster situation.
The program concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Ms Bijayata Kharel, Deputy Director, DDMA, who acknowledged the efforts of all officials, trainers, and participants in making the program a success.