To enhance tourism and outdoor activities in Ladakh, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd) chaired a meeting to discuss Ladakh Mountaineering Policy 2024 at the Lieutenant Governor’s Secretariat on September 23.

Secretary, Tourism, Vikram Singh Malik informed the LG about the adoption of the Ladakh Mountaineering Policy from the Sikkim Model and the placement of the Policy in the public domain following which feedback/objections from the public/stakeholders were incorporated and the final draft was prepared. He apprised the LG of the vision, mission and objectives of the Ladakh Mountaineering Policy, i.e. to benefit local communities and preserve the environment, promote sporting mountaineering activities in Ladakh by upskilling the Ladakhi guides and recognise the contribution of Mountaineering Tour Operators (MTOs) to ensure environmental preservation and economic growth for the long-term benefit of the region.

 He also informed about documents required for MTO registration, registration validity and fee, experience and certificates required by the lead guide and instructor; essential equipment required by MTO; mountaineering expedition permit and fee structure, the formation of Governing Committee; SOPs and operation instructions, documentation to be maintained by MTO; emergencies and rescues during expeditions; risk mitigation measures; mandatory insurance for all; responsibilities of MTOs and grievance redressal mechanism, etc.

LG highlighted the need for MTOs to have one technically qualified guide with first aid/CPR certification and office space, even if it is in his/her residence. He asked Vikram Malik to reduce the validity of registration from five years to three to keep a check on the quality of MTOs.

LG highlighted the need to formulate a Sanitation and Safety Committee and specify its members, functions, periodicity and reporting pattern. He also highlighted the need to specify a ratio of the expedition team and supporting staff to keep a check on the safety and security of the expedition team.   

He stated that the age limit of the climbers should be between 18 to 65 years while climbers below 18 years of age can seek age relaxation from the medical officer stationed at the base camp. He emphasised raising the insurance amounts of supporting staff and expedition team members.