Dehradun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday flagged off the third mountaineering expedition, Shaurya, organized by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) at Chief Sevak Sadan, the Chief Minister’s residence in Dehradun.
During the event, the Chief Minister lauded the efforts of NDRF personnel and expressed confidence in the success of the expedition team. He noted that the jawans would not only accomplish their mission but also inspire and guide future mountaineers who traverse this challenging route.
Emphasizing the state’s potential for adventure tourism, CM Dhami stated that the Uttarakhand government is committed to promoting adventure sports at the international level. He highlighted various initiatives aimed at boosting activities such as angling, cycling, rafting, trekking, and paragliding across the state. Notable annual events like the Tehri Water Sports Festival and Nayar Mahotsav are part of this broader vision.
The Chief Minister praised the NDRF personnel for continuously upgrading their skills through participation in such expeditions, in addition to their vital role in disaster response. He emphasized that the state government is making concerted efforts to strengthen disaster management by integrating advanced technology, modern equipment, and comprehensive training. He also mentioned the establishment of new training centers and a partnership between SDRF and the Indian Rescue Academy, Pune.
Highlighting central support, CM Dhami referred to the Uttarakhand Disaster Preparedness and Resilient Project Scheme, under which approximately ₹1,480 crore has been approved to enhance the disaster management framework in the state. He also recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s active encouragement of adventure tourism, referencing the PM’s visit to Mukhwa and his vision of developing India’s border villages, including Mana, as the “first villages of the country.”
Addressing the gathering, DG NDRF Shri Piyush Anand said that this mountaineering campaign will significantly bolster the force’s capabilities in high-altitude rescue operations. He reaffirmed NDRF’s readiness to support the state whenever required and noted that their response times are consistently improving.
The 44-member NDRF team will attempt to summit the 6,832-meter-high Kedar Domsh peak. Their route will pass through Dehradun, Uttarkashi, Gangotri, Chirbasa, Bhojwasa, Tapovan, and the Kirti Glacier—an area known for its difficult terrain and treacherous glaciers.
The event was also attended by Chief Secretary Mr. Anand Bardhan, DGP Mr. Deepam Seth, Vice Chairman of the Disaster Management Advisory Committee Mr. Vinay Rohela, and Secretary Mr. Vinod Suman.
