Sensitization-cum-Orientation Training on High Altitude Sickness Conducted at Yuksam
Gyalshing, April 23 (IPR):The second session of a one-day Sensitization-cum-Orientation Training Programme on High Altitude Sickness for registered guides and trekking cooks was successfully conducted today at the Tourist Information Centre, Yuksam, in Gyalshing District.
The programme was organised by the Indian Himalayan Centre for Adventure and Eco-Tourism(IHCAE) under the Sikkim INSPIRES initiative, in coordination with the Sashastra Seema Bal, 72nd Battalion, Yuksam.
The programme was graced by the presence of Secretary, Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Ms Hondala Gyaltsen, accompanied by District Collector, Gyalshing, Mr Tenzing D Denzongpa;Director-Cum-ADC Development, Gyalshing Mr Surat Kumar Gurung;World Bank Representative, Ms Verena Plipps Ebeler;ADC (Development), Gangtok, Ms Rajani Sharma;Second-in-Command, 72nd Bn SSB, Mr Narayan Ram Khadaw;SDM Gyalshing Mr Sandesh Subba;SDM Yuksam, Mr Jesse Targain;Joint Director-Cum-Principal (IHCAE), Mr Kazi Sherpa;Joint Director (Tourism & Civil Aviation Department), Ms Tshering Donka Bhutia;Programme Director, Sikkim INSPIRES, Ms Roshni Pradhan;BDO Yuksam, Mr Sanman Subba;DFO (KNP), Ms Bhumika Rai and officials from various departments.
At the outset, District Collector extended a warm welcome to all dignitaries and participants.
During the technical session, the medical team of the 72nd Bn SSB conducted a comprehensive demonstration on the management of high altitude emergencies. The demonstration included the usage of the High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema (HAPO) bag, one-man HAPO chamber, portable oxygen cylinders and resuscitation kits, providing practical exposure to life-saving techniques.
A detailed PowerPoint presentation was delivered by the Joint Director-cum-Principal (IHCAE), highlighting the progress and achievements of the Sikkim INSPIRES Adventure Skill Training Programme supported by the World Bank. He elaborated on the Annual Work Plan and the five-year strategic roadmap (2024–2029), along with post-training initiatives such as mandatory engagement of registered guides, standardisation of guide charges, compulsory deployment of trained local trekking guides on notified trails, maintenance of logbooks and periodic refresher courses.
He further highlighted key achievements including the development of certified rafting professionals, trained search and rescue volunteers, mountain biking guides, mountaineering expedition guides and licensed bird-watching guides.
Accreditation of IHCAE by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation was also noted. The impact of these initiatives in promoting professional and safe tourism practices, reducing incidences of mountain sickness and strengthening rescue and evacuation systems was emphasised.
Experiences from advanced mountaineering expeditions, including the ascent of Mt. Brumkhangtse (19,200 ft) in North Sikkim after a gap of eight years, were also shared. Additionally, updates on various training programmes such as search and rescue, river rafting (Level III & IV), and mountain biking were presented.
An adventure tourism map developed by IHCAE and a proposal for an annual adventure festival under the Sikkim INSPIRES Annual Work Plan 2026–27 were also showcased.
Subsequently, the Joint Director (Tourism & Civil Aviation Department), Ms Tshering Donka Bhutia, presented on eco-tourism initiatives under the Forest and Environment Department for the financial year 2025–26. She outlined the vision of transforming eco-tourism into a driver of livelihood generation, cultural preservation, and environmental conservation. Key initiatives included the development of eco-adventure and nature learning centres, trekking trails, eco-friendly infrastructure, and facilities at various locations across the State.
DFO (Khangchendzonga National Park), Ms Bhumika Rai, presented on the upgradation of eco-tourism sites and allied activities under the Sikkim INSPIRES Programme for 2025–26. She highlighted interventions within the Khangchendzonga National Park and the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, including infrastructure development at key trekking locations such as Sachen, Tshoka, Bakhim, Phedang, Dzongri, Thangshing, and Lamuney. The role of local communities through Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs) and Eco-Development Committees (EDCs) was also emphasised.
In his address, District Collector, Mr Tenzing D Denzongpa underscored the immense tourism potential of Gyalshing District, citing prominent destinations such as Pelling, Khecheopalri Lake(Ramsar Site) and Yuksom, which is associated with India’s first Mixed UNESCO World Heritage Site. He expressed gratitude to the World Bank for its continued support and urged all stakeholders to uphold safety standards and professionalism, particularly in light of past trekking-related incidents.
Addressing the gathering,World Bank representative, Ms Verena Phipps Ebeler expressed appreciation over the steady growth and expansion of the programme. She remarked that it was encouraging to witness the progress being made and the increasing outreach of the initiative.
Highlighting the importance of local governance, the representative emphasised that the presence of the District Collector is pivotal, as a significant portion of programme implementation is carried out at the community level. The continued guidance, coordination and leadership at the district level were acknowledged as instrumental in ensuring the effective execution and sustained progress of the programme.
The representative also acknowledged the efforts of partner organisations engaged in conducting the trainings and implementing various programme components. It was noted that the expansion of activities under the initiative has been particularly promising and reflective of its dynamic nature.
Sharing observations, the representative mentioned that the programme has opened up several innovative possibilities for future missions, including activities such as rafting, landscape exploration and paragliding, which further enhance the tourism potential of the region.
Concluding the address, the representative expressed satisfaction over the overall progress of the programme and reiterated that it is encouraging to see the initiative evolving in a positive direction.
A token of appreciation was presented to the 72nd Bn SSB and its medical team in recognition of their valuable support and contribution to life-saving training.
Two trainee tourist guides shared their experiences of the training, following which certificates of participation were formally distributed to all participants.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Ms Pema Bhutia, Assistant Director, Adventure, Sikkim INSPIRES (T&CAD) followed by the distribution of trekking garbage bags to promote responsible and sustainable tourism practices.
Report from DIO Gyalshing