COURSE REPORT

BASIC MOUNTAINEERING COURSE – 84 OF INDIAN AIR FORCE, JAMMU & KASHMIR ARMED POLICE &

TOURISM DEPARTMENT, KASHMIR

17 MAY TO 11 JUN 2010 AT PAHALGAM

GENERAL COURSE REPORT BASIC MOUNTAINEERING COURSE-84

17 May 2010 – 11 Jun 2010 INSTITUTE: JAWAHAR INSTITUTE OF MOUNTAINEERING & WINTER SPORTS (JIM & WS) PAHALGAM VENUE: NUNWAN, PAHALGAM REPORT ON: BASIC MOUNTAINEERING COURSE COURSE SERIAL NO: BMC- 84 DURATION OF COURSE: 17 May 2010 to 11 JUN 2010 (26 Days) GENERAL 1. Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering and winter Sports (JIM & WS) is a joint

venture between Ministry of Defence, Government of India and Department of Tourism

Govt. of J&K. Headquarter of the Institute is located at Nunwan, Pahalgam and sub

centers at Bhaderwah (Doda), Sanasar (near Patnitop), Shey (Leh) and one adhoc sub

centre at Gulmarg for skiing courses. Over last 28 years the Institute has excelled in

different adventure activities like Mountaineering, Skiing, Paragliding, Rescue, water

rafting, short term adhoc adventure courses and Mountain & Tourist Guide courses.

2. Total 70 students attended the Basic Mountaineering Course -84 in which 38

personnel of Indian Air Force, 18 Lady Police Personnel of Jammu & Kashmir Armed

Police, 04 employees of Tourism Department Kashmir and 10 private students from

different parts of country reported to JIM & WS, Pahalgam, on 16 May 2010. The

Scheduled training of these 70 students commenced on the next day morning. One lady

constable of Jammu & Kashmir Armed Police were sent back to her unit on medical

grounds. Rest all the students completed the training with desired level of standard.

Nominal roll of personnel is enclosed as Appendix “A”.

2 INTRODUCTION 3. Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering & Winter Sports, (JIM & WS) conducted

Basic Mountaineering Course serial -84 w.e.f 17 May 2010 to 11 Jun 2010 (26 days) for

38 personnel of Indian Air Force, 18 Lady Police Personnel of Jammu & Kashmir Armed

Police, 04 employees of Tourism Department Kashmir and 10 private students from

different parts of country at Pahalgam, sponsored by IGP, Armed Police, J&K, Director

Air Force Adventure, New Delhi and Director Tourism Kashmir.

AIM 4. To impart theoretical and practical training on all aspects of activities in

Mountainous Area. High Altitude including rock and ice craft to students.

5. To train the students to survive in mountains / survival camps and to take part in high

altitude trekking and expeditions in mountainous terrain of India & abroad. STANDARD TO BE ACHIEVED 6. The competence levels expected from students upon completion of the course

are as follows:-

(a) Students should be able to effectively utilize technical skills during high altitude

trekking and expeditions in all kinds of ranges in India.

(b) Students should be able to effectively form part of team as an active member

and lead climber during rescue missions in high altitude area.

OBJECTIVES 7. (a) Carryout rescue mission in any eventuality in mountains, at accidental sites and

during natural calamities and carryout Expeditions in all kinds of ranges in India

and abroad

(b) Impart training on technical aspects of mountaineering.

(c) Hone mountaineering skills of individuals.

(d) Create environment awareness amongst the youth.

(e) Promote adventure activities in the state.

3

OPENING ADDRESS 8. Opening address was given on the first day by Capt. Rahul Mahajan, Vice

Principal, JIM & WS. Students were introduced to well known history of the esteemed

institute JIM & WS. They were explained about expectations from students,

administration of the Institute and safety and security to be observed around Pahalgam.

Students were told the duration of course, test and grading system as well as the

phases of course going to be conducted in training area of the Institute.

OPENING ADDRESS

CONDUCT OF TRAINING 9. The students were trained in Acclimatization walk, Introduction to mountaineering

equipment, Rope knots, rock climbing, Rappelling, Treks to different picturesque and

historical places around the area, Tent pitching, Tyrolean traverse, River crossing,

Rescue from river and accidental site, Ice climbing , Rope fixing & base making,

avalanche rescue, Navigation in mountains and Glaciated terrains.

4 10. Training for the course started with rock craft for initial 15 days at Pahalgam. This

was followed by Ice craft training for which the team moved to Chandanwari on 30 May

2010. A copy of training programme is enclosed as Appendix “B”. 11. Details of aspects covered during the training are enunciated in subsequent paras.

ACCLIMATIZATION 12. The location of the Institute at approx 7000 ft, though acclimatization was not

mandatory, for acquiring physical fitness and mental robustness, initial period was

utilized to achieve the same. Acclimatization marches of 1.5 to 3 kms around the places

were conducted during first 2 days which was accompanied by mountain physical

training. Students were made to run for long distance (7-8kms) at one stretch to

increase their endurance. At the end of this schedule students achieved the desired

standards of fitness required to survive in hilly terrain.

ACCLIMATIZATION WALK PHYSICAL EXERICSE

5

TECHNICAL TRAINING 13. Keeping in consideration the geographical area of J&K state, training was

provided in basic skills of rock craft administration in mountain terrain & introduction and

use of mountaineering equipment in rescue missions/ operations at accidental sites and

during natural calamities in mountainous terrain and Expeditions . At the culmination of

this training, students could identify and narrate the uses of mountaineering equipment

and its skillful application in mountainous area. Details of rock craft and other adventure

activities conducted are as follows.

(a) Rock craft 15 periods were allotted to impart instructions in basic skills of mountaineering

including pitch climbing, fixed rope climbing, Jumaring, free climbing and rappelling. The

students were exposed to various types of rock surfaces around Pahalgam.

ROCK CLIMBING RAPPELLING JUMARING

6 (b) ICE CRAFT

10 periods were allotted to impart instructions in basic skills of ice craft including base

making, Cramponing, crevasse crossing and rescue, rope fixing on ice wall & climbing,

in Glaciated terrains. The students were taken to Chandanwari glacier (9000ft) situated

16 kms from Pahalgam for this part of the course.

ICE CRAFT TRAINING (c) RIVER CROSSING ,CASUALTY EVACUATION & TYROLEAN TRAVERSE Students were provided fundamental knowledge in the form of lecture cum

demonstration on methods of negotiating fast flowing streams and nallas in

mountainous areas and casualty evacuation followed by practicing it in groups.

CASUALTY EVACUATION RIVER CROSSING TYROLEAN TRAVERSE

7 (d) TREKS Students were trained in trekking. They got familiarized with the equipment needed

while going on long treks. They were taken to historical places to see and exchange

culture and beautiful places like Aru, Baisaran and Betab Valley.

TREK TO BAISARAN WITH LOAD (e) TENT PITCHING Students were demonstrated the methods of tent pitching and use of survival camps in

the jungles and mountainous terrain while on missions in adverse natural / manmade

calamities.

TENT PITCHING

8

(f) LECTURES /PRESENTATIONS The following aspects of adventure activities and related subjects were covered in

great details in the form of lecture cum Power point presentations and movies

concerning mountaineering as mentioned below:

(1) Introduction to mountaineering & Ice Equipment .

(2) Mountain Terminology.

(3) Hazards in Mountain and Snow bound area.

(4) Dos and Don’ts of mountaineering.

(5) Load carrying and Marching

(6) Avalanche & Avalanche Rescue

(7) First Aid.

(8) High altitude illness / cold injuries and its preventive measures.

(9) Introduction to Glacier

LECTURES IN PROGRESS

9

(g) ENDURANCE RUN Team practiced running for long distance with backpack load of 10 -12 kgs which

helped them to attain the desired slandered of physical endurance required during

rescue operations. Students showed marked improvement in endurance and they

excelled in the final endurance run of 8.5 kms taken by the institute.

(h) GAMES

Students were made to take interest to participate in games like volley ball, badminton,

cricket. Through discussions with the instructors they also got familiarized with

adventure sports like skiing, paragliding, water rafting and Para jumping. Students

showed keen desire to undergo training at the institute for the adventure sports in near

future. Movies on adventure sports like skiing & parajumping were run in the auditorium

for the students.

ENJOYING GAMES

10 ADMINISTRATION 14. One dedicated officer in charge of the institute with well experienced and trained

instructors and other staff were provided by the institute who accompanied and looked

after the students round the clock.

ACCOMMODATION 15. The accommodation facility at Pahalgam was made in Institute Hostel. During ice

craft training students camped on Chandanwari glacier in tents.

INSTITUTE, PAHALGAM CHANDANWARI, TRAINING CAMP 16. The students were provided with hygienic and palatable food during the training

period with additional energy supplements like fruits, dry fruits and chocolates, juices

etc.

.

ENJOYING SUMPTUOUS FOOD

11

EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING 17. Keeping in view the harsh conditions and cold and rainy weather during the

course, the students were provided with quality equipment and clothing gear for training

purpose.

EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING ISSUED BY JIM & WS

MEDICAL COVER 18. Dedicated medical officer and Nursing Assistant of the institute provided medical

support to the participants through out the course duration. Different first aid kits were

prepared for trek, rock area and traveling, the students were educated about the

mountain hazards, illnesses of the mountainous and high altitude area with its

treatment modalities. Different techniques of casualty evacuation in relation to rescue

from accidental sites and difficult mountain terrain were demonstrated to and practice

by the personnel.

12

VISIT OF IGP, ARMED, APHQ

19. Shri Dilbagh Singh, IPS IGP, Armed Police visited the Institute to supervise the

training activities of students at Chandanwari Glacier. Shri Dilbagh Singh, IPS IGP,

Armed Police had praised for the efforts taken by JIM & WS and praised the students

for their excellent performance.

SHRI DILBAGH SINGH, IPS, IGP, J & K ARMED POLICE AND COL VIRINDER SINGH, PRINCIPAL, JIM & WS INTERACTING DURING HIS VISIT

ASSESSMENT 20. The students were assessed of their performance in the course in the form of

Rock craft and Ice craft (written, oral & practical) taken by the instructors of the

institute. The students excelled in the test taken by securing good marks and grading.

PRACTICAL TEST WRITTEN TEST

13

21. A copy of marks sheet is enclosed as Appendix “C”

GRADUATION CEREMONY

22. The students presented a colorful cultural programme after completion of

scheduled training. Beautiful events presented by the participants. Principal, praised the

students for their excellent performance. The event was followed by the distribution of

the course batches to all the participants.

GRADUATION CEREMONY

14 OBSERVATION 23. (a) The students showed marked interest in learning and adopting the skills of

Mountaineering.

(b) The students learned, practiced and adopted the Expedition techniques taught

to them during the course.

(c) The students improved a lot in their physical as well as mental capabilities.

(d) The students excelled in the final test taken by the institute to access their

performance.

(e) The students showed keen interest in training in adventure sports at JIM & WS.

RECOMMENDATIONS 24. (a) It is recommended that the personnel may be sent to JIM & WS for Advance

Mountaineering course and Method of instructions courses as well as other

adventure courses like Paragliding, White water rafting & Skiing.

(b) Indian Air Force, Jammu & Kashmir Armed Police, Tourism Department and JIM

& WS should form a strong bond to successfully conquer higher peaks in India and

abroad in the coming future.

FEEDBACK 25. The Photocopies of some of the feedbacks received from the students are

enclosed as Appendix “D”, reflecting the goal achieved as per the opinion of students.

15

CONCLUSION 26. During basic mountaineering course training was imparted to make the

participants confident of living in mountainous terrain and to be technically proficient as

trained mountaineers. Special efforts were delivered to practice forming mountain

rescue teams in natural calamities / disasters. The performance of the participants

validates the fact that desired standards of exposure and training in mountain

techniques were achieved.

(Virinder Singh) Col Principal Encl: As stated

Copy to: 1. Dte of Adventure, Air Headquarter, RCPO Building, Safdarhung Road, New Delhi

-110003

2. Sh. Dilbagh Singh, IPS, IGP Armed, Armed Police Headquarters, Srinagar-J&K

3. D (HMI), R.No. 114, B Block Ministry of Defence, New Delhi-11

4. Secretary Tourism, Govt. of J&K, Civil Secretariat Srinagar –J&K

5. Secretary, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Shashtri Bhawan, New Delhi -1

6. Director Tourism Kashmir, Tourist Reception Centre, Srinagar-J&K

7. Institute Library.

Appendix “A” LIST OF INDIAN AIR FORCE PERSONNEL

S.NO. RANK. UNIT. NAME OF TRAINEE. REMARKS.

1. Sqn.Ldr. HQ. TC IAF Prakash Jha IAF.

2. Flt. Lt. 2256 Sqn. AF T. Arunprasad. -

3. Flt. Lt. 269 SU,AF. Ankit Dixit. -

4. Flt. Lt. 3WG.,AF. Rajveer Singh. -

5. Flt. Lt. 78 Sqn,4wg Agra. Vivek Diwedi. -

6. Flt. Lt. 71SU,AF J. Sivakumar. -

7. Flt. Lt. 309 TRU. AF. Jugal Kishor Lohani. -

8. Sgt. 2224 Sqn. Rajiv Kumar. -

9. Cpl. HQ. TC (U) S. Vinod Kumar -

10. Cpl. 46 Wing. Sunil Kumar Sahu -

11. Cpl. 2224 Sqn. Sakil Ahmad. -

12. LAC. 36 Wing. Raja Reddy T. -

13. LAC. 612 GRD FLT. B. S. Bhandari. -

14. Cpl. 12 Wing. Pradeep Kumar -

15. Cpl. 603 GRD FLT Anil Kumar. -

16.

Cpl. HQ TC (U) Rajesh Kumar -

17. LAC. HQ TC (U) Ankur Gautam. -

18. Cpl.

601 GRD FLT Nilesh Kumar Nayan. -

19. Cpl. 601 GRD FLT Manoj Kumar. -

20. Cpl. 601 GRD FLT Mukul Chaturvedi -

21. Cpl. 601 GRD FLT Atul Sharma. -

22. Cpl. 601 GRD FLT Ravindar. -

23. LAC. 27 ED Devendra Singh. -

24. Cpl. 36 Wing. Sandeep Kumar. -

25. Cpl. 26 ED Jitender Rathee. -

26. Cpl. 2214 Sqn. Jay prakash. -

27. LAC. 412 AFS. Yog Raj. -

28. LAC. 408 AFS. Pankaj Soni. -

29. LAC. 06 Sqn. M. N. Chavan. -

30. Cpl. 12 Wg. Chandan Kumar Mishra. -

31. Cpl. PTS. T. Rupkumar. -

32. Cpl. 12 WG. AF Ravi Baradur. -

33. Cpl. 1 FBSU. AF. A G Vishnu. -

34. Cpl. 10 Wg. AF. D. Stephen. -

35. Cpl. AFCAO. Satish Nair. -

36. LAC. 47 SU. B. C. Joshi. -

37. Cpl. 4 Wing AF. Omkar Mutha. -

38. Cpl. 25 ED. AF. Rajesh Choudhary. -

LIST OF JAMMU & KASHMIR ARMED POLICE PERSONNEL

S.No Best No. Rank Unit Name Remarks

1 065602 S. I. JKAP 6th Bn. Shazia Khan.

2 065589. S. I. IRP 15th Bn. Pinky Devi.

3 718. W / Ct. JKAP 6th Bn. Majida Anwar.

4 687. W / Ct. JKAP 6th Bn. Kouser Jan.

5 721 W / Ct IRP 15th Bn. Tanveer Akhter

6 579 W /Ct IRP 15th Bn. Shabnum Zohara

7 446 W /Ct IRP 15th Bn. Suprita Bandral

8 541 W /Ct IRP 15th Bn. Nazia Kousan

9 454 W /Ct IRP 15th Bn. Ruksana Begum

10 537 W /Ct IRP 15th Bn. Yasmeena Akhter

11 378 W /Ct IRP 15th Bn. Tsering Dolma

12 460 W/Ct IRP 15th Bn. Rufaida Ayoub

13 477 W / Ct. IRP 15th Bn. Nusrat Shareef

14 430 W / Ct. IRP 15th Bn. Shakeela Bano

15 461 W / Ct. IRP 15th Bn. Babli Devi

16 667 W / Ct. IRP 15th Bn. Khalida Bano

17 699 W / Ct. IRP 15th Bn. Purna Devi

18 782 W / Ct. IRP 15th Bn. Mehnaz Abdullah

LIST OF KASHMIR TOURISM EMPLOYEES

S.No Name Address Remarks

1 Aadil Nissar Shah C/O Tourist Office, Pahalgam

2 Shabir Ahmad Malik

-do-

3 Mehraj - Ud- Din Mir

-do-

4 Gh. Mohd. Wani

C/O Tourist office, Gulmarg

Ski Patroller

LIST OF PRIVATE STUDENTS S.No Name Address Sex Remarks

1 Mehul Lodha

Rajasthan M Private.

2 Lalit Sing Parihar

Rajasthan M -

3 Prarthana Somayaji.

Banglore F -

4 Suram Singh.

Kishtwar-J&K M -

5 Shaurya Pratap

Singh.

Chandigrah M -

6 Prateek Nagpal.

Jaipur Rajasthan M -

7 Dinesh Jagannath

Surve.

Mumbai M -

8 Kanwarpal Singh. Rajasthan M -

9 Rakesh Kumar.

Rajasthan M -

10 Sarfraz Ahmad

Khan.

Wallarhama, Ananatnag –J&K M -

Appendix “B”

TRAINING PROGRAMME BASIC MOUNTAINEERING COURSE -84

S/No.

Date/Day Time Subject Type Resp Place

01. 16May2010 Sunday

1700hrs Arrival,Reception,

Misc Incharg of Pahalgam

Institute Pahalgam

02. 17May2010 Monday

0630-0730hrs 0800-1000hrs 1020-1200hrs 1205-1300hrs 1500-1600hrs 1630-1730hrs 1730-1900hrs

Accln March(5 Km) Documentation, Issue of eqpt. Intro to Mtn Eqpt Knot Hitch & Coiling of Rope Opening Address Games

Accln Misc -do- Lec Lec. Misc Game

Instructors Clerk. ASK. Instructors -do- Principal Instructors

RCA Institute -do- -do- -do- -do- -do-

03. 18May2010 Tuesday

00630-0730hrs 0800-1030hrs 1050-1300hrs 1500-1600hrs 1730-1900hrs

PT Bouldering & Types of Hold Free Climbing & Rappelling Mountain terminology. Games

Prec -do- -do-Lec Game

-do- -do- -do- -do- -do-

RCA -do- -do- Institute -do-

04. 19May2010 Wednesday

0630-0730hrs 0800-1000hrs 1020-1300hrs 1500-1600hrs 1730-1900hrs

PT Prep of Bases Anchore & Bellaying Free Climbing & Rappelling Hazards in Mtn & Snow Bnd. Area Games

Prec -do- -do- Lec Game

-do- -do- -do- -do- -do-

RCA RCA RCA Institute Institute

05. 20May2010 Thursday

0630-0730hrs 0800-1300hrs 1500-1600hrs 1730-1900hrs

Indurance. Free Climbing & Rappelling Do’s Don’ts in Mtn Games

Prec -do-Lec Game

-do- -do- -do- -do-

RCA RCA Institute Institute

06. 21May2010 Friday

0630-0730hrs 0800-1300hrs 1500-1600hrs 1730-1900hrs

PT Pitch Climbing Load Carrying & Marching Games

Prec -do-Lec Game

-do- -do- -do- -do-

RCA RCA Institute Institute

07. 22May2010 Saturday

0630-0730hrs 0800-1300hrs 1500-1600hrs 1730-1900hrs

Indurance. Pitch Climbing Load Carrying & Marching Games

Prec -do-Lec Game

-do- -do- -do- -do-

RCA RCA Institute Institute

08. 23May2010 Sunday

0800-1600hrs 1730-1900hrs

Trek to Baisaran. Games

Walk Game

-do- -do-

Baisaran. Institute

09. 24May2010 Monday

0630-0730hrs 0800-1300hrs 1500-1600hrs 1730-1900hrs

PT Stream Crossing Avalanche Games

Prec -do-Lec Game

-do- -do- -do- -do-

RCA RCA Institute Institute

10. 25May2010 Tuesday

0630-0730hrs 0800-1300hrs 1500-1600hrs 1730-1900hrs

Indurance. Stream Crossing Avalanche Rescue Games

Prec -do-Lec Game

-do- -do- -do- -do-

RCA RCA Institute -do-

11. 26May2010 Wednesday

0630-0730hrs 0830-1300hrs 1500-1600hrs 1730-1900hrs

PT Route Selection & Rope Fixing Knot Hitch & Bases Games

Prec -do-Lec Game

-do- -do- -do- -do-

RCA RCA Institute -do-

12. 27May2010 Thursday

0630-0730hrs 0800-1300hrs 1500-1600hrs 1730-1900hrs

PT Route Selection & Rope Fixing First Aid Games

Prec -do-Lec Game

-do- -do- MO Instructors

RCA -do-Institute -do-

13. 28May2010 Friday

0630-0730hrs 0800-1300hrs 1500-1600hrs 1730-1900hrs

PT Jumaring Rappelling With Load Glacier Games

Prec -do-Lec Game

-do- -do- -do- -do-

RCA -do-Institute -do-

14. 29May2010 Saturday

0630-0730hrs 0800-1300hrs 1730-1900hrs

PT Preparation to move Glacier Games

Prec -do-Game

-do- -do- -do-

RCA Institute -do-

15. 30May2010 Sunday

0800-1600hrs Move to Glacier Walk

Incharg Glacier

16. 01June2010 Monday

0700-0800hrs 0830-1000hrs 1020-1300hrs 1500-1600hrs

Accln Walk to Glacier Intro to Ice Eqpt Walking with crampons Avalanche Rescue Practice

Prec Lec Walk Prec

-do- -do- -do- -do-

ICA ICA ICA Camp

17. 02June2010 Tuesday

0700-0800hrs 0830-1300hrs 1500-1600hrs

Accln Walk to Glacier 10pt,2pt Climbing &Self Arrest Ladder Launching

-do-LD -do-

-do- -do- -do-

ICA ICA Camp

18. 03June2010 Wednesday

0700-0800hrs 0830-1300hrs 1500-1600hrs

Mtn Pt 3pt,4pt Climbing Casualty

Prec -do- -do-

-do- -do- -do-

ICA ICA Camp

19. 04 June2010 Thursday

0700-0800hrs 0830-1300hrs 1500-1600hrs

Mtn Pt Rope Fixing & Crevasse Xg. Base Making Practice

-do-LD Prec

-do- -do- -do-

ICA ICA Camp

20. 05June2010 Friday

0800-1300hrs

High Altitude Trekking Through Glacier March

Prec -do- ICA

21. 06June2010 Saturday

0700-0800hrs 0830-1300hrs 1500-1600hrs

Mtn Pt 2pt,4pt Climbing Survival Camp

Prec -do- -do-

-do- -do- -do-

ICA ICA Camp

22. 07June2010 Sunday

0800-0300hrs

Ice Craft Test

Test -do-

ICA

23. 08June2010 Monday

0800-1600hrs Move to Institute Prec In charge Institute

24. 09June2010 Tuesday

0700-0800hrs 0900-1300hrs 1500-1600hrs

Indurance test Rock Craft Test Written Test

Test Test

Instructors -do-

RCA Institute

25. 10June2010 Wednesday

0800-1300hrs 1600-1700hrs

Deposit of clothing Graduation Ceremony

Prac Enjoy

Store Man Principal

Institute Institute

26. 11June2010 Thursday

0800hrs Departure “ “ “

Note: - Programme changes subject to local weather conditions. Legends: LD-Lecture Demo. RCA-Rock Carft Area. ICA-Ice Carft AREA. Bed tea will be served at 0545hrs. Break-Fast 0730-0800hrs Tea and Snacks 1000-1020hrs. Lunch Break/own time 1230-1300hrs. Roll call 1900hrs. Dinner 1830-1930hrs. Light Of 2130hrs. (Virinder Singh) Lt.Col Principal