Summary 2006- Expeditions & Training Programmes
2006
The IMF launched two major expeditions during 2006. The All Women expedition was successful in reaching the top of Swaragarohini-I. Men's expedition successfully climbed Shigri Parba in. Himachal Pradesh. The other two post monsoon expeditions could not be launched due to delayed monsoons and lack of availability of the climbers. IMF was also able to launch one mixed expedition (climbing cum cleaning) to Stoke Kangri in end September 2006.
Indian Expeditions
This year 62 Indian expeditions were booked. However, only 53 expeditions materialized.
Foreign Expeditions
This year 51 foreign expeditions were booked. However, only 37 expeditions materialized.
IMF Sponsored Expeditions
The two IMF sponsored expeditions to Mt Swargrohini-I (6252 m) in Garhwal Himalaya under the leadership of Ms K Saraswati (all women) and Mt. Shigri Parbat (6645 m) in Himachal Pradesh under the leadership of Shri Gautam Thakur have both been successful.
Environment Cleaning Expedition
In September to October 2006, an IMF sponsored cleaning expedition was launched to clean up the Stok Kangri area of Leh. Shri Sonam Wangyal, an Everester led the expedition. 13 members took part from Leh and one each from Gujarat and Manipur namely, Ms Chaula Jagirdar and Ms Anita Devi respectively.
Scholarships to underprivileged trainees
41 students were granted scholarships to undergo mountaineering courses at various national Mountaineering Institutes during the period under review.
Environmental Levy
IMF has decided to dispense with charging of Environmental Levy of US$ 400 per expedition from all foreign expeditions with effect from 14 Jan 06. This initiative has been welcomed by the International Mountaineering fraternity in view of the additional levies being charged by the States of Sikkim and Uttarakhand.
IMF Alpine Climbing Camp
This camp is being organised under the aegis of Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Uttarkashi from 13 to 26 Nov 06. 25 climbers are expected to attend.
LO Training Camp
One week Camp is planned during the month of December 2006 at NIM. The objectives of this training are:
- To train students on the latest climbing techniques
- Impart training for high altitude rescue operations
- To expose the participants to the ecological parameters of the mountain environment and awareness about all facets of ecological equilibrium. 25 individuals are expected to attend.
High Altitude & Mountain Medicine Course (HAMMC)
This Course is planned to be held in Mar 07 for seven days with the aim to initiate volunteer doctors into the field of high attitude & mountain medicine so that they are better prepared to function in high altitude and mountainous regions. 20 doctors, both from the civil, armed and para military forces are expected to attend.