Siliguri, May 27: The Himalayan Nature and Adventure Foundation, a Siliguri-based adventure club, yesterday felicitated three Calcutta residents made it to the summit of Mount Everest on May 19.

Debraj Dutta, Pradip Sahu and Chetna, Pradip's wife, scaled the world's highest peak on the same day.

"All the three members of our club could successfully scale the Everest and we are recognising their achievement through this felicitation," Sankar Majumdar, the general secretary of HNAF, said.

Chetna was not present at the ceremony. She fell ill while descending the Everest and is under treatment at a private nursing home in Siliguri.

"For any mountaineer, it is important to have a clear idea about his/her mental and physical endurance. This assessment helps in making a successful climb without risking. Proper calculations about consumption of oxygen during the expedition must be done," said Debraj.

"In recent times, we have found that many people, who have made two or three summits, plan to scale Mt. Everest. Such decisions often lead to unfortunate incidents, including loss of life," he added.

Debraj, who hails from Behala in Calcutta, has scaled several peaks in the Himalayas and has 16 years of experience in climbing.

Asked about the recent deaths and injuries of mountaineers from the state, who had gone for the Everest expedition, he said: "It is unfortunate but true that desperation works among some mountaineers during the expedition.

"Instead of taking a decision based on the reality and endurance levels, they are driven by desperation to reach the peak. As a result, many face acute problems like shortage of oxygen or give up strength while descending from the summit." he added.

"Chetna was getting slow while descending from the peak. We learnt that she was facing oxygen shortage. We immediately arranged for additional oxygen cylinders and engaged two Sherpas who headed up and could locate her. After some time, we received the information that she was descending," Debraj said.

Pradip said: "It is necessary to have skills and experience while going for such expeditions. But we should also respect the sentiments of those who enthusiastically participate in these expeditions".