News & Events
June 2023
Our directors are attending NDM-UN26 date is 22-23 June
The 26th International Meeting of Mine Action National Directors and United Nations Advisers (NDM-UN26), co-hosted and co-organized by the United Nations Inter-Agency Coordination Group on Mine Action (IACG-MA) and the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD), currently going on 22nd and 23rd June 2023 in Geneva.
Horizon has been committed towards a safer world and has contributed towards mine action since 2003. The organisation is being represented by our Chairman Col Navneet Mittal, Operations Director Mr. Kelvin Tan, and our Human Resource and Supply Chain Management Director Mr. Nadeem Saleem.
Mar 2023
Conducted Training of Trainers of College of Military Engineering members under AFINDEX 2023
Horizon Assignments conducted the training of trainers on Humanitarian Mine Action as per International Mine Action Standards for College Military Engineering members under the Africa India Field Training Exercise (AFINDEX) 2023. The training included detailed theory and practical sessions on topics such as Introduction to Mine Action, International Mine Action Standards (IMAS), Explosive Theory, Mine and Explosive remnants of War (ERW) Clearance, Equipment, Mine Action Safety and Occupational Health, Information Management System for Mine Action, Explosive Ordnance Risk Education, Victim Assistance, Stockpile Destruction, Reports & Documentation, Management of Mine Action Programme, Advocacy, Field Exercise. Horizon Assignments had the privilege of hosting a stall at AFINDEX event to raise awareness about Mine Action which has been a topic of concern and safety of more than a few decades.
Feb 2023
Signed the project with Gulf Dredging & General Contracting Co. K.S.C- UXO Survey for Kuwait Navy Base in Jan 2023
Project Purpose : To perform UXO Survey of designated areas in Kuwait Navy Base as part of the main contractor’s marine construction and repair works.
Horizon specializes in onshore UXO survey and clearance using various methodologies and techniques, but this is a first time conducting offshore UXO survey and clearance and successful completion of project will open new opportunities for Horizon.
Feb 2023
Milestone achieved- Cumulative UXO cleared 1,000,000 square meteres of Oil Contaminated Area as on Jan 2023
Jan 2023
Carrom Competition in Kuwait conducted (Winners- Mohammed Kaleemuddin and Abrar Mohammed) in Jan 2023 month
Jun 2022
22 June to 26 June visit to Geneva for the conference in June 2022
Apr 2022
Horizon commenced the UXO Clearance
Horizon commenced the UXO Clearance project at SKETR Zone 3.
Jan 2022
Horizon in Kuwait
Horizon transferred the Local Agency in Kuwait to M/S Matla Al Khaleej Contracting Co.
Dec 2021
Horizon commenced mobilisation
Horizon commenced mobilisation for SKETR Zone 3 Project.
Nov 2021
Horizon signed contract
Horizon signed contract with M/S Enshaat Al Sayer Trading and Contracting Co. in Kuwait for UXO survey and clearance at SKETR Zone 3 as part of KERP Contracts in KOC.
Oct 2021
Chairman travelled to Kuwait.
Sep 2021
Horizon team deinducted Azerbaijan
Horizon team deinducted from Fuzuli, Azerbaijan.
Mar 2021
Horizon team inducted in Azerbaijan
Horizon team inducted in Azerbaijan and commenced demining at Fuzuli New Airport Project. Chairman visited the work site.
Feb 2021
Horizon signed contract with Altay
Horizon signed contract with Altay for demining project in Azerbaijan.
2012 to 2020
Nov 2020
Horizon Corporate Office
Horizon corporate office at Pune shifted to 11/11 Karanjakar Estate, Nanded City, Pune-411041.
Jul 2020
Horizon EODs de-inducted from Kuwait
Horizon EODs de-inducted from Kuwait post temporary shutdown of project due to COVID.
Jun 2019
Horizon inducted IMAS EOD Level I to Explomo Technical Services Pte Ltd
Horizon inducted IMAS EOD Level I to Explomo Technical Services Pte Ltd for their contract of UXO Program Phase I for North and South Kuwait Oil Fields with Kuwait Oil Company.
Apr 2019
Horizon IMAS EOD Level III deinducted from Kuwait
Horizon IMAS EOD Level III deinducted from Kuwait after successful completion of UXO/EOD Construction Support Project with Pika International.
Mar 2019
Horizon participates in AFINDEX 2019 held at College of Military Engineering, Pune
Horizon participated in AFINDEX 2019 Event held at College of Military Engineering(CME), Pune. AFINDEX 2019 was held at the College of Military Engineering, Pune in March 2019. The purpose of the event was to train officers and troops for effective cooperation and interoperability between African Nation States & India for Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) based on guidelines issued by the United Nations. HORIZON participated in the same by providing Training and Equipment support. In order to add value and purpose to the exercise, display of various items and equipment concerning aspects of Humanitarian Demining were displayed by Horizon to various country participants on 25 March 2019.
Feb 2019
Horizon inducted IMAS EOD Level I to Explomo Technical Services Pte Ltd
Horizon inducted IMAS EOD Level I to Explomo Technical Services Pte Ltd for their contract of UXO Program Phase I for North and South Kuwait Oil Fields with Kuwait Oil Company.
Jan 2019
Horizon IMAS EOD Level III inducted to Kuwait for UXO/EOD Construction Support Project with Pika International.
Apr 2018
Horizon successfully completed UXO/EOD Construction Support project with HERA AG Ambiental in Kuwait and all EODs deinducted.
Feb 2018
Horizon Chairman, Col Navneet MP Mittal (Retd) and Manager Business Development attended the 21st International Meeting of National Mine Action Programme Directors and United Nations Advisers (NDM-UN)
Horizon Chairman, Col Navneet MP Mittal (Retd) and Manager Business Development attended the 21st International Meeting of National Mine Action Programme Directors and United Nations Advisers (NDM-UN) held at the United Nations Headquarters, Palais des Nations at Geneva, Switzerland. At the meeting, Col Mittal also had the privilege to meet Prince Mired Bin Ra’ad Bin Zeid Al-Hussein of Jordan who gave the closing plenary address and apprised him of Horizon contribution at Jordan for Mine Action.
Jun 2017
Horizon EOD team inducted to Kuwait for HERA’s UXO project.
Apr 2017
Horizon inducted EOD’s to Explomo Technical Services Pte Ltd for their contract of UXO Program Phase I for North and South Kuwait Oil Fields with Kuwait Oil Company.
Apr 2017
Horizon successfully completed UXO/EOD Construction Support project with GS Engineering in Kuwait and all EODs deinducted.
Mar 2017
Horizon inducted EODs to Alghanim International General Trading and Contracting Company W.L.L. for their contract of Demining Services with Kuwait Oil Company.
Feb 2017
Horizon successfully completed UXO/EOD project with TERI and all EODs deinducted.
Jan 2017
HORIZON IMAS EOD II inducted to Kuwait for providing UXO/EOD training services to EODs of Denel Mechem.
Jan 2017
HORIZON UXO/EOD team successfully de inducted from Kuwait after completion of HERA AG Ambiental UXO/EOD project in Lot A of SEK oil fields in Kuwait.
Oct 2016
HORIZON UXO/EOD team started Intrusive Investigation and Reacquisition UXO/EOD Project with HERA AG Ambiental in Lot A of SEK oil fields in Kuwait.
Sep 2016
HORIZON UXO/EOD Construction Support Team de inducted under HERA AG Ambiental in Lot A of SEK oil fields in Kuwait.
Aug 2016
HORIZON has been engaged as PMC for TERI’s project in Kuwait
Col Navneet MP Mittal, Director Horizon is stationed in Kuwait on behalf of HORIZON to provide Project Management Consultancy for TERI’s ongoing project in Kuwait.
Mar 2016
Article about Horizon and its sister concern Navyug’s EOD ROV published in The Golden Sparrow
Link to the article – India’s answer to Demining Solutions – By Ekta Katti, 11 Mar 2016
Mar 2016
Horizon participated in the Field Training Exercise on Humanitarian Mine Action at the College of Military Engineering, Pune
The field training exercise 2016 on Humanitarian Mine Action and United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (HMA & UN PKO) was held at the College of Military Engineering, Pune, India from 02 to 08 March 2016. The exercise was attended by approx 360 delegates from 18 ASEAN & Plus countries. The exercise imparted HMA and PKO training to the participants of the entire member Nations. The HMA portion of the exercise covered all aspects of Humanitarian De-mining, Survey and Recording, Casualty Evacuation, Victim Rehabilitation and Land Re-use Techniques. In order to add value and purpose to the exercise, display of various items and equipment concerning aspects of Humanitarian Demining were displayed by Horizon to various country participants from 5th March till 8th March 2016. The Horizon stall was visited by approximately 250 participants from ASEAN Plus countries as well as about 100 observers from South East Asia as well as USA, USSR, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.
Feb 2016
Scholarship of 2 lakh INR awarded at Army Institute of Technology, Pune by Horizon.
Dec 2015
Horizon Construction Support Project renewed from August 2015 till Nov 2016 with G.S. Engineering in Kuwait
Oct 2015
Horizon Board of Directors Meeting held at Kuwait to discuss progress and future course of action of Horizon Assignments.
Sep 2015
Horizon Construction Support Project renewed till March 2016 with TERI in Kuwait.
Apr 2015
Col Navneet Mittal (Retd) and Mr. G Mohanan Successfully Completes Training at Ebinger, Germany
Col Navneet Mittal (Retd) and Mr. G Mohanan has successfully completed courses on Installation, Programming and Operation of Ebinger, Germany’s detection systems and Softwares namely, EPAS, EPAD, UPEX, 740M, MAGNEX, EBEX.
Course was held between March 22nd and March 28th 2015 at the premises of EBINGER Prüf- und Ortungstechnik GmbH at our Wiesbaum facilities and training center, Vulkanstarsse 14, D- 54578 Wiesbaum, Germany.
The courses authorised Col Mittal (Retd) and Mr. Mohanan to introduce and run gephMAG, as part of their qual¡ty management system, to successfully implement and run geophys¡cal surveys internationally meeting the EBINGER DIN EN ISO 9001 – 2000 standards (cerificate TÜV CERT 09 100 5189).
Dec 2014
Successful completion of AMEC’s AAS Project
HORIZON has successfully completed AMEC’s Project of UXO Anomaly Avoidance Support for Soil Sampling Activity on 03 Dec 14 and team has been deinducted. Despite a slow start and challenging weather and site conditions, all task assigned were completed without any mishap and as per schedule and with total cooperation from the AMEC Sampling Team.
Nov 2014
Board of Director Meeting held on 08 Nov 2014
Board of Director meeting held on 08 Nov 2014 to discuss progress and future course of action for HORIZON Group.
Nov 2014
HORIZON Team proceeds to Kuwait for AMEC Project
AMEC has awarded HORIZON Project Anomaly Avoidance Support for Soil Sample Collection Activity in SEK Fields of Kuwait Oil Company. HORIZON Team proceeds to Kuwait on 7 Nov 14 to take up the project.
Oct 2014
HORIZON (OPCEM) provides Medicines to Victims of Kashmir Floods
Medicines worth Rs. 25,000/- supplied to the victims of Kashmir Floods though Global Harmony Trust which is distributing them according to requirements from hospitals and relief camps.
Aug 2014
Annual General Board of Director Meeting held on 23 Aug’14
HORIZON’s Annual General Board of Director Meeting was held on 23 Aug ’14. Progress of ongoing projects and action plans for further development of the organisation were discussed.
May 2014
Work starts at SEK Fields Kuwait
HORIZON’s Construction Support team starts work for G.S. Engineering and Construction Com. at SEK Fields (Lot B), Kuwait
Mar 2014
HORIZON signs contract with G.S. Engineering & Construction Com.
HORIZON signs contract with G.S. Engineering & Construction Company for appointing Construction support team at KOC Soil Remediation of Contaminated Features in SEK Field, Kuwait (Lot B) Project.
Feb 2014
Scholorship to Army Institute of Technology (AIT) students
As every year, HORIZON has sponsored for scholarship upto Rs. 2 Lacs to needy students of Army Institute of Technology (AIT). The scholarship awarding function was conducted on 24 Feb 14 in AIT Campus. Col Navneet Mittal (Retd) and Lt Col Toms Ouseph (Retd) attended the ceremony on behalf of HORIZON.
Jan 2014
Annual General Board of Director Meeting held on 25 Jan ’14
HORIZON’s Annual General Board of Director Meeting was held on 25 Jan ’14. Progress of ongoing projects and action plans for further development of the organisation were discussed.
Oct 2013
Work on Qatar Telecom Project Started
Team sent to Qatar for Qatar National Broadband Project under Ooredoo / Global Technology Company. After orientation training, the project commenced on 02 Nov 13.
Sep 2013
Visit of Indian Ambassador to KOC Project Site
Indian Ambassador His Excellency Satish Chand Mehta along with other officials of Indian Embassy in Kuwait visited EOD/UXO Survey Project at Kuwait Oil Company (KOC). Project Manager of HORIZON briefed them about our work progress at site.
Sep 2013
Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) Chairman Visited Project Site in Kuwait
Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) Chairman, Mr. Hashem Sayed Hashem visited our EOD/UXO Survey Project in Kuwait. Team Leader of HORIZON, briefed them about our work progress at site.
Aug 2013
Monthly Donation to Ushatai Lokhande Trust
Monthly donation of Rs. 7,500/- in the form of grocery supplies has been resumed to Ushatai Lokhande Trust, Kamshet for the children residing in boys hostel.
Jul 2013
Meeting of Board of Directors
Meeting of Board of Directors was held at 4, Shakun Apartment, D P Road, Aundh, Pune – 411007. All Directors were present
Jul 2013
Completion of IMAS EOD Level 3 Course
Mr PGL Narayana and Mr D Nagaraja successfully completed IMAS EOD Level 3 Course at MAT MONDIAL, Explosive Ordnance Disposal & De-Mining School Republic of Kosovo.
Jun 2013
IMAS EOD Level 3 Course
Mr D Nagaraja and Mr PGL Narayana are going to Republic of Kosovo for attending IMAS EOD Level 3 Course.
Jan 2013
Meeting of Board of Directors
Meeting of Board of Directors was held at 4, Shakun Apartment, D P Road, Aundh, Pune – 411007. All Directors were present.
Nov 2012
Horizon completed the seventh demining project
Horizon completed the seventh demining project under the aegis of Government of India at Sri Lanka.
Oct 2012
Horizon commenced work at Kuwait
Horizon commenced Radiological and UXO Survey work at Kuwait Oil Company, Kuwait.
Aug 2012
Contract signed between Horizon and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), New Delhi
Contract signed between Horizon and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), New Delhi for carrying out Radiological Survey for Naturally Occurring Radiological Material (NORM) and UXO Survey at South East Kuwait (SEK) Oil Fields, Lot C.
Jul 2012
HORIZON was awarded Sri Shanmukhananda Diamond Award 2012
HORIZON was awarded Sri Shanmukhananda Diamond Award 2012 on 17th July 2012 at the Sri Shanmukhananda Fine Art and Sangeet Sabha, Sion, Mumbai. The award was conferred for the Humanitarian Deming pursuits by HORIZON since 2003. The award was given away by Hon Dr APJ Kalam, former President of India at a glittering ceremony and was received by Brig (Retd) Anil Apte, Vice Chairman HORIZON and NK (Retd) PG Laxmi Narayanan, Team Leader HORIZON.
Jun 2012
The long association between the Royal Norwegian Government and HORIZON
To commemorate the long association (2003-2011) between the Royal Norwegian Government and HORIZON in the cause of humanitarian demining; Maj Gen S G Pitre (Retd) Chairman HORIZON Group presented a memento to Her Excellency Hilde Haraldstad Norwegian Ambassador in Sri Lanka, on 05 June 2012 at Colombo.
Apr 2012
Visit of Ms. Shushma Swaraj, MP and Mr Ashok K. Kantha, the High Commissioner of India in Sri Lanka
12 member Indian Parliamentary delegation led by Leader of Opposition Ms Shushma Swaraj, MP and Mr Ashok K. Kantha, the High Commissioner of India in Sri Lanka being briefed by Col Navneet Mittal, Director Horizon Group, on the Humanitarian Demining Project funded by the Government of India.
Jan 2012
Horizon Representatives attend course on Geo Physical Survey at the Geonics Ltd., Canada
Lt Col Anil Srivastawa, Project Manager Horizon and Mr Gera Rama Rao, Team Leader Horizon, attended the course on Geo Physical Survey at the Geonics Ltd, Mississauga Ontario, Canada.
2002 to 2011
Jul 2011
Project comes to an end
Mandate of two humanitarian demining teams in Sri Lanka, funded by the Government of India, came to an end.
Jan 2011
Horizon deploys team in Sri Lanka
Horizon deployed one humanitarian demining team in Sri Lanka under the funding of Royal Norwegian Government.
Dec 2010
Completion of one Demining Project in Sri Lanka funded by RNE
Mandate of one humanitarian demining team in Sri Lanka, funded by the Royal Norwegian Government came to an end.
Dec 2010
Horizon attends HOMAC organised by UNOPS and UNMAS at Dubai, UAE
Brig (Retd) Anil Apte and Col (Retd) Navneet Mittal attended the Heads of Mine Action Components Meeting (HOMAC) organised by UNOPS and UNMAS at Dubai, UAE from 05 Dec to 07 Dec 2010.
Dec 2010
Commencement of HIG 6 Project in Sri Lanka
Horizon Demining Team E (HIG 6), funded by the Government of India, commenced their one year mandate of humanitarian demining at Northern Sri Lanka.
Nov 2010
Completion of HIG 3 Project
Horizon Demining Team C (HIG 3), funded by the Government of India, completed their one year mandate of humanitarian demining in Northern Sri Lanka.
Nov 2010
Horizon inducted one ground preparation machine for demining in Sri Lanka.
Horizon inducted one ground preparation machine for demining in Sri Lanka.
Oct 2010
Completion of one Demining Project in Sri Lanka funded by RNE
Mandate of one humanitarian demining team in Sri Lanka, funded by the Royal Norwegian Government came to an end.
Sep 2010
Visit of Dignitaries from Indian Army to Horizon’s Sri Lanka Project Site
Gen Vijay Kumar Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, ADC, Chief of the Army Staff, India, Commander SF Wanni, and other dignitaries visited Horizon demining site in North Vavuniya, Sri Lanka. They were briefed by Maj Gen (Retd) SG Pitre, Chairman Horizon and Brig Anil Apte, Vice Chairman Horizon.
Aug 2010
Visit of Indian Foreign Secretary and High Commissioner to Horizon’s Sri Lanka Project Site
Smt. Nirupama Rao, Indian Foreign Secretary, High Commissioner H.E. Shri Ashok K Kantha, Mr TS Tirumurti JS (BSM) and other dignitaries visited Horizon demining site in North Vavuniya, Sri Lanka.
Aug 2010
Horizon inducted one ground preparation machine at Sri Lanka.
Aug 2010
Horizon Demining Team attended Independence Day
Horizon Demining Team personnel attended Independence Day celebration at India House, Colombo. Seen in the picture are High Commissioner H.E. Shri Ashok K Kantha, Mrs Ashok K Kantha, Capt(IN) S Kapur DA, Col (Retd) Navneet Mittal, Director Horizon Group, Hony Capt(Retd) Devanandan Team Leader and Horizon Deminers.
Aug 2010
Commencement of HIG 4 and HIG 5 Projects
Horizon Demining Team D (HIG4) and Team E (HIG5), funded by the Government of India, commenced their one year mandate of humanitarian demining at Northern Sri Lanka.
Jul 2010
Completion of HIG 1 and HIG 2 Project
Horizon Demining Team A (HIG 1) and Team B (HIG 2), funded by the Government of India, completed their one year mandate of humanitarian demining in Northern Sri Lanka.
Mar 2010
Col (Retd) Navneet Mittal attends the International Meeting of National Mine Action Programme Directors
Col (Retd) Navneet Mittal attended the 13th International Meeting of National Mine Action Programme Directors and UN Advisors at Geneva Centre for International Humanitarian Demining (GICHD).
Dec 2009
Horizon deploys the third Humanitarian Demining team in North Sri Lanka under the contract with the Government of India.
Nov 2009
Training cadre for new deminers commenced at Pune.
Nov 2009
Horizon awarded contract by the Government of India to deploy one Humanitarian Demining Team in Sri Lanka.
Jul 2009
Indians fly to Sri Lanka to clear landmines
80 more Indians fly to Sri Lanka to clear landmines. Time of India 02 Aug 2009 Reports
Jul 2009
The additional teams for demining by India funded projects have been inducted.
Jul 2009
Indian Ministry of External Affairs and Horizon signed an agreement for demining in Sri Lanka. Horizon will be providing two demining teams and the project will be funded by India.
Jan 2009
Humanitarian demining recommenced at the suspended mine field of Eralikulam TR 40 in Batticaloa District.
Jan 2009
Refresher training on demining completed.
Jan 2009
Refresher training on demining commenced.
Jan 2009
Horizon deployed one demining team at the Batticaloa District of Sri Lanka.
Dec 2008
Humanitarian Demining
Horizon deployed two demining teams at Sri Lanka during the year 2008 and cleared an area of 29.98 million Sq mtrs and recovering 108 mines and 241UXOs. The teams were deployed at Batticaloa and Trincomalee districts with the strength of the task force of 31 expatriate deminers and 102 local deminers (as against 31 expatriate deminers and 66 local deminers till December 2007). This also included 15 women deminers thus giving the distinction to Horizon in improving gender balance by imparting skill & encouraging women to take part in all facets of project activities as enshrined in UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, Security. Trincomalee District. · Uppural TR – 27 Horizon conducted GMMA of Uppural TR 27 in Jan 2008 and commenced demining on 28 Feb 08. This area was cleared and handed over on 11 Jun 08. Details are as under :
Mine Clearance – 30,107 sq mtrs.
BAC – 13,20,000 sq mtrs.
Total Area handed over – 13,50,107 sq mtrs.
Batticaloa District. · Pulipanchakel TR – 15 :
Demining commenced on 04 Feb 2008. Cleared areas were handed over in parts for resettlement. Final QC was done on 29 Aug 2008. ·
Total Area Handed over – 21,40,950 sq mtrs
Recoveries AP Mines – 75
UXOs – 15
Koraveli TR – 17
Demining commenced on 22 Mar 2008 after conducting GMAA. Cleared areas were handed over in parts for resettlement. Final QC was carried out and area handed over on 16 Jun 2008 as under :
Total Area Handed over – 1,08,90,000 sq mtrs.
Recoveries – 16 UXOs.
Eralikulam TR – 41
GMAA was carried out for TR 39, 40, 41 and 42 as tasked by DMAO during 09 Aug to 22 Aug. Demining commenced on 01 Sep 08
Total Area Handed over – 12,500,000 sq mtrs.
Recoveries AP Mines – 10
UXOs – 115
Eralikulam TR – 39
Demining commenced on 01 Nov and completed on 28 Nov. Details are as under :- ·
Total Area Handed over – 31, 00,000 sq mtrs.
Recoveries – UXOs 94
Eralikulam TR – 40
Demining commenced on 27 Nov and work had to be suspended due to heavy rains and inundation of Mine fields and approaches to it. The task will be completed during Jan – Feb 09. ·
Eralikulam TR – 42
Demining will commence during Feb 09 after completion of TR 40. Rehabilitation Area demined during the year was handed over in parts to hasten early resettlement. 970 IDPs were resettled in Trincomalee District and 1869 IDPs were resettled in Batticoloa District. MRE MRE activity has been carried out by HORIZON MRE team in areas cleared for resettlement prior to the IDPs moving in as also during the initial phase of their settling down. Mine Ban Treaty Advocacy Presentation on Land Mine Ban Advocacy was organized during Rotary District Conference on 26 Jan 2008, at Colombo by MMIPE in association with Horizon and SARVATRA. A presentation on “Why should Sri Lanka ban the use of anti personnel land mines” was made by Mr Brandman Weerakoon, former Secretary to Prime Minister. Approximately 750 invitees including representatives from the Missions which have been supporting mine clearance in Sri Lanka, attended the function.
Rehabilitation
Area demined during the year was handed over in parts to hasten early resettlement. 970 IDPs were resettled in Trincomalee District and 1869 IDPs were resettled in Batticoloa District.
MRE
MRE activity has been carried out by HORIZON MRE team in areas cleared for resettlement prior to the IDPs moving in as also during the initial phase of their settling down.
Mine Ban Treaty Advocacy
Presentation on Land Mine Ban Advocacy was organized during Rotary District Conference on 26 Jan 2008, at Colombo by MMIPE in association with Horizon and SARVATRA. A presentation on “Why should Sri Lanka ban the use of anti personnel land mines” was made by Mr Brandman Weerakoon, former Secretary to Prime Minister. Approximately 750 invitees including representatives from the Missions which have been supporting mine clearance in Sri Lanka, attended the function.
Jan 2007
Updates of Work in Sri Lanka and Jordan
Nov 2006
Out put During 2006: Sri Lanka
During 2006 Horizon recovered 891 Anti Personnel mines / UXOs and cleared and handed over 2,08,000 sq m of land for rehabilitation.
HORIZON has been registered as NGO in Sri Lanka. Registration No. allotted by the Ministry of Social Service and Social Welfare is FL – 112706 of 28 Nov 06.
Output during 2006 Jordan
During 2006 the Jordan team has cleared 90,000 sqm area and recovered 29,000 Anti Personnel mines and 6000 Anti tank mines.
Nov 2006
Thomaspuri Mine Field VA 130 (HM 8-H). Work on this minefield was completed on 17 Nov 06.
- Area cleared – 28,440 sq mtrs.
- Items recovered –
- AP Mines – 243
- UXOs – 02
Oct 2006
Thomaspuri Mine Field VA 130 (HM 8-G). Work on this minefield was completed on 12 Oct 06.
- Area cleared – 64,000 sq mtrs.
- Items recovered –
- AP Mines – 579
- UXOs – 01
Aug 2006
Thomaspuri Mine Field VA 130 (HM 8 – F). Work on this mine field commenced on 01 Jun 06 and was completed on 30 Aug 06.
- Area cleared – 49,360 sq mtrs.
- · Items recovered –
- AP Mines – 28
- UXOs – 02
May 2006
Horizon Covering New Frontiers
Horizon team consisting of 14 ex-servicemen left for Amman for a new demining project in Jordan. The team will be working in conjunction with Norwegian Peoples Aid (NPA) an international NGO. Initially the work to expected for a duration of 10 months. The demining work is likely to commence by end of May after initial familiarisation. This is the first time that any Indian demining NGO is undertaking a project in Africa.
May 2006
Demining Work on Thomaspuri Minefield area E has been completed and being handed over
- Area cleared – 62,759 sq mtrs
- Items recovered – AP Mines – 03
Apr 2006
Demining Work commenced on VA299 Minefield at Nanatem and was completed on 28 Apr 06. (Area cleared – 1913 Sq Mtrs).
Feb 2006
Demining work recommenced in Area E Thomaspuri Minefield, which was suspended due to heavy rains.
Dec 2005
Welfare Endevours
On 07 Dec at a function was organised by College of Military Engineering, Pune. HORIZON donated physiotherapy equipment worth Rs Two Lacs for treatment of mentally challenged children.
Dec 2005
Welfare Endevours
HORIZON donated one Ambulance to Sahyadri Hospital, Pune. Income generated will be transferred to ‘Samvedana’ another charitable trust for medical assistance to the needy.
Nov 2005
Thomasouri Minefield Suspended
Work on Thomaspuri Minefield VA-130 (NH-8 Area C) which was started on 11 Nov 2005 had to eb suspended due to heavy rains and water logging.
Nov 2005
Welfare Endevours
A cheque of Sri Lankan Rs 70,000/- was handed over to GA Mannar. This is the first installment for setting up of two grocery shope adn a tailor shop for distributing the amount to three mine affected individuals of Vankalai Village.
Nov 2005
Thomasouri Minefield Completed
Clearance of Thomaspuri Minefield VA-130 (NH-8, Areas A and B) was completed on 11 Nov. Total 70,414 Sq Mtrs of area was cleared and handed over to GA, Mannar; on 15 Nov 05. 28 Ani Personal mines, Three UXOs and one loose detonator were recovered from this minefield.
Nov 2005
Vankalai Minefield (VA-191) Completed
Vankalai Sea Site Minefield (VA-191) was cleared between 22 Sep and 27 Oct 05. Total 9274 Sq Mtrs area was released to GA, Mannar; on 23 Nov 05. 92 Anti Personal mines and one loose detonator were recovered from this site and destroyed.
Oct 2005
Media Publicity
Sri Lankan news paper ‘Daily Mirror’ published on article titled ‘Reclaming the Paddy Fields and Laughter’ covering the demining work of HORIZON. Details could be seen on the following site:-
Sep 2005
International Mine Action Meeting
Maj Gen (Retd) S G Pitre (Chairman) attended the Eight International Meeting on Mine Action at Geneva.
Sep 2005
MGIS is Inducted to Sri Lanka
Mechanical Ground Impactor System (MGIS) developed by HORIZON inducted for field trials in Sri Lanka.
Aug 2005
Thomasouri Minefield Completed
Clearance of Thomaspuri minefield VA 130 (HM-7) in Mannar district was completed on 24 Aug 2005. An area of 104,115 Sq Mtrs has been cleared. 822 Anti Personal mines, 5 UXO’s and 21 other items were removed and destroyed. The land has been released to GA, Mannar.
Aug 2005
Welfare Endevours
HORIZON donated Sri Lankan Rs 100,000/- to Rewata Children’s home.
Aug 2005
ISO Organization
HORIZON is now ISO 9001-2000 certified organization.
Aug 2005
ISO Certification Audits
Lead Auditor carried out the audit at the project site for ISO Certification.
Jul 2005
MAT Official visited to Project Site
Members of Mine Awareness Trust (MAT) visited the project site.
Jun 2005
MGIS is Ready to move for Sri Lanka
Final trials of MGIS carries out at Nasik. Equipment found suitable for employment and decision taken to induct in Sri Lanka.
May 2005
Clearance of Thomaspuri Minefield
Clearance of Thomaspuri minefield, which was suspended due to heavy water logging in Dec 2004 completed and handed over to GA, Mannar.
May 2005
Training Course Attended by Director Operationa
May 2005
Demining Commenced with Locals
Demining with local deminers commenced. Strength of expatriates reduced to 11.
May 2005
Locals Employed on Demining Taks
NSCMA issued instruction that locals be employed on demining task and number of expatriates reduced to supervisory staff only. Accordingly 30 locals were selected and their training commenced.
Mar 2005
Revision of SOP
A revision of SOP apropos the training in REDS undertaken.
Feb 2005
Documentary of HORIZON
Documentary film of HORIZON activities released.
Feb 2005
HORIZON Team Inducted
HORIZON demining team inducted, the team consisting of:-
Jan 2005
Funding for the year by Royal Norwegian Government
Funding for the demining project for the year approved by Royal Norwegian Embassy.
Jan 2005
Training of Deminers
Training of Team Leaders (Train the Trainers) conducted at Vavuniya by experts under the aeigs of Norwegian People’s Alliance (NPA). Training aimed at mastering the Rakes Excavation Demining System (REDS).
Dec 2004
De-Induction of HORIZON Team
HORIZON demining team de-Inducted.
Nov 2004
Work Suspended Cause of Heavy Rain
HORIZON Demining work suspended due to heavy rains.
Sep 2004
HORIZON Documentary
Production of 15 minutes documentary of HORIZON activities undertaken at Mannar by a team from India.
Sep 2004
NSCMA Meeting Attended by Chairman HORIZON
National Steering Committee of Mine Action (NSCMA) meeting attended by Maj Gen S G Pitre (Retd) Chairman, HORIZON. This is the maiden appearance.
Aug 2004
Suganthapuri Minefield Handed Over to GA
Suganthapuri minefield handed over to GA Mannar. Total area cleared 68768 Sq Mtrs. 95 anti-personnel mines recovered.
Aug 2004
HORIZON Registration as Charitable Trust
HORIZON registered as Charitable Trust with Charitable Commissioner, Pune.
Jul 2004
Anti Tank Mine Encounter
One anti tank mine encountered in Thomaspuri minefield. This is the first instance of laid anti tank mine.
Jul 2004
Minefield of Suganthapuri Completed
Suganthapuri minefield completed. Demining of adjacent Thomaspuri minefield commenced.
Jul 2004
Approval of SOP
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) approved by DMAO issued to all concerned. Mr Kubberud, Counsellor Royal Norwegian Embassy, Sri Lanka; visited the project site.
Jun 2004
DMAO Official Visited Project Site
DMAO, Vavuniya Ms Leoni BArnes and the new incumbent Mr Michel Hands visited the project site.
Jun 2004
MDD Returned to INDIA
MDD returned to India as its employment on demining task not feasible due to non-availability of accreditation facilities.
May 2004
Prototype of MGIS
The prototype MGIS completed. The proposal to conduct live mine trial at the Army Training area in conjuction with local army establishment was duly approved and trials commenced.
May 2004
Transit Facility
Transit Facility for deminers procured at Pune.
Apr 2004
Demining Work Commenced at Suganthapuri Minefield
Demining work commenced at Suganthapuri minefield. Mr Magnus Sedig appointed by Norwegian Embassy as Technical Adviser (TA) for a period of three months.
Apr 2004
HORIZON Demining Team Deployed at Mannar, Sri Lanka
Demining team with one MDD inducted to Mannar. Composition of demining team is as under:-
Mar 2004
Funding for the year by Royal Norwegian Government
Funding for the demining project for the year approved by Royal Norwegian Government.
Feb 2004
ISO Application
Decision taken to apply for ISO Certification.
Jan 2004
New Office of HORIZON
HORIZON Office shifted to new location at 6, Shakun Apartment, D. P. Road, Aundh, Pune 411007
Dec 2003
Demining of Second Minefield Completed
Demining of second minefield completed. Area cleared 102000 Sq Mtrs. 1230 anti personnel mines recovered. Area handed over to GA, Vavuniya by DMAO in Kaccheri, Vavuniya.
Nov 2003
Ambassador of Norway visited project site
His Excellency Mr Hans Brattskar, Ambassador of Norway in Sri Lanka accompanied by Mr Tor Kubberud, Counsellor and Mr Nanda Godage, Director MMIPE visited project site.
Oct 2003
Area of Fist Minefield handed over
Area of first minefield handed over to Government Agent (GA), Vavuniya by District Mine Action Officer (DMAO) during a ceremony organised at the School at Pooversankulam.
Aug 2003
Demining of Second Minefield
Demining of second minefield at Kurukkulputhakulam West of the first minefield commenced.
Aug 2003
Demining Completed
Demining of minefield completed. Total area cleared 68000 sq Mtrs. 469 anti personnel mines recovered.
Aug 2003
Mechanical Ground Impactor System (MGIS) Development
Concept of development of Mechanical Ground Impactor System (MGIS) discussed with Reliance Industries, Nasik; and development plan approved.
Aug 2003
Mr Moragoda Visited to work site
Mr Moragoda, Minister in Sri Lankan Government and Defence Secretary visited the Project Site.
Jun 2003
Work commenced at Sri Lanka
Demining Commenced. First anti personnel mine encountered and detected by MDD Akash. Subsequently three more mines detected by deminers.
Jun 2003
Demining team inducted in Sri Lanka and preparation of campsite carried out.
Compostion of the team :
Poject Manager
Medical Officer
Deminers – 28 nos.
Administrative Staff – 6 nos.
Mine Detection Dog (MDD) – 2 nos
May 2003
Minefield at Kurukkulputhakulam at 17 Km on Road Vavuniya-Mannar allotted as Pilot project.
May 2003
A Training capsule of Humanitarian Demining and reorientation of selected deminers for four weeks duration commenced at Pune.
Apr 2003
A Proposal for a demining project of six months duration in Northern Sri Lanka to be funded by Royal Norwegian Government approved.
Dec 2002
Demining work recommenced in Area E Thomaspuri Minefield, which was suspended due to heavy rains.
Dec 2002
HORIZON office commenced functioning from Queen Mary Technicaal Institute, Kirkee
Dec 2002
Presentation and discussion held at New Delhi pertaining to maiden humanitarian demining project.
Jan 2002
HORIZON launched as a charitable Trust with the aim of harnessing the potential of Indian ex-servicemen for post conflict environment management tasks.