PRESS RELEASE
Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang Flags Off NDRF’s 4th Mountaineering Expedition “Shikhar” to Mount Jongsong
Sikkim, 04 September 2026: The 4th Force-level mountaineering expedition of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), “Shikhar”, to Mount Jongsong (7,462 metres) was formally flagged off today by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim, Shri Prem Singh Tamang.
The mountaineering expedition will be conducted from 04 September to 11 October 2026. The expedition team comprises a total of 41 members and will attempt to summit Mount Jongsong, which stands at an altitude of 7,462 metres. 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.
On the occasion of the flag-off ceremony, the Chief Guest conveyed his best wishes to the expedition team for this courageous and challenging endeavour. The Hon’ble Chief Minister recalled the devastating earthquake that struck Sikkim in 2011 and stated that, during that difficult and challenging period, the National Disaster Response Force (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. He also recalled the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) disaster of 2023 and stated 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. The Hon’ble Chief Minister 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 Government of Sikkim 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 minimizing the loss of lives and property. The Hon’ble Chief Minister 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.Shri Ravindra Telang, IAS, Chief Secretary, Sikkim; Shri Akshay Sachdeva, IPS, Director General of Police, Sikkim Police; Shri Piyush Anand, Director General, NDRF; Shri Hariom Gandhi, Deputy Inspector General, NDRF; Shri Rinzing Chewang Bhutia, IAS, Relief Commissioner, Sikkim; and Shri Manish Ranjan, Commandant, 02 Battalion, NDRF, along with other senior officers, dignitaries and members of the expedition team, were present on the occasion.
The ceremony commenced with the welcome of the Chief Guest followed by group photograph with the expedition team and a visit to the Equipment Gallery, where specialised equipment and resources used by NDRF for operations in difficult and challenging mountainous terrain were displayed.
The formal programme commenced with the National Song and the National Anthem. Shri Piyush Anand, IPS, Director General, NDRF, presented saplings to the distinguished guests and delivered the welcome address. Thereafter, the Deputy Inspector General (Training), NDRF, gave a presentation and showcased a video highlighting NDRF’s capabilities, preparedness and commitment towards disaster response.
A special highlight of the programme was the felicitation of 12 Aapda Mitra volunteers by the Hon’ble Chief Guest. The honour was conferred in recognition of their significant contribution towards strengthening community-based disaster management and public awareness.
The Team Commander of the expedition, Shri Nitish Sharma, Deputy Commandant, NDRF, briefed the dignitaries and officers about the objectives and mission of the expedition, as well as the preparations made by the team. Thereafter, the Hon’ble Chief Minister formally inaugurated the expedition “Shikhar” by handing over the expedition flag to the Team Commander.
The programme also featured an impressive disaster management demonstration presented by NDRF personnel and school children. Thereafter, the Hon’ble Chief Minister, in his inspiring address, conveyed his best wishes to the expedition team.
Prior to this, NDRF has successfully conducted three mountaineering expeditions. These included 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.
Mountaineering 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.
