PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ New Tehri
Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the valedictory ceremony of the Surya Devbhoomi Challenge 2.0 at Garhwal University, Chauras campus here on Monday. The programme was organized under the joint aegis of the Indian Army and Uttarakhand Tourism.
Addressing the ceremony, the CM said that the Surya Devbhoomi Challenge was attended by 100 brave soldiers of the Indian Army, along with about 200 adventure trekkers from across the country. He said that the participants of the high-altitude marathon successfully completed the challenging 113-kilometre journey from Helang to Kalgot, Kalgot to Mandal via Ukhimath on the Kedar-Badri Trail. He said that all the participants displayed excellent courage, patience, and determination in the marathon.
The CM said that along with the adventure competition, the participants also travelled on the historical and spiritual route connecting Badrinath, Kedarnath Dham and the Panch Kedars. He said that apart from protecting the borders of the nation, the Army is playing an important role in nation-building through such events that inspire society and the youth. “Such events strengthen discipline, courage, leadership skills and the spirit of patriotism within the youth,’’ he said.
Dhami expressed confidence that the event would prove helpful in preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage and also in increasing employment and livelihood opportunities in the border areas.
The CM said under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership adventure tourism is being promoted in the State and work is also being done towards the development and empowerment of the border villages under the Vibrant Village scheme. He averred that the State government is paying special attention to promoting adventure sports in the State. Activities such as angling, rafting, kayaking, trekking, paragliding, cycling and mountaineering are being systematically promoted in the State, he said.
“From the snowy slopes of Auli to the swiftly flowing Ganga in Rishikesh, from the heights of Munsiyari to the vast expanse of Tehri Lake, every region of Uttarakhand is emerging as a strong and vibrant hub of adventure tourism. By visiting a remote and strategically important region like Mana, PM Modi has given a new recognition to the border areas,’’ he said.
Major Pushpendra Singh of Garhwal Scout said that the competition was organised with the aim of promoting adventure tourism in border rural areas and connecting traditional travel routes with tourism. He informed that 300 participants from all over the country took part in this tough 113 km long competition. The participants had to demonstrate their physical ability, patience and skills in various stages while passing through difficult mountain routes.
Devprayag MLA Vinod Kandari, GOC-in-C of Central Command lieutenant general Anindya Sengupta, Olympian Vijender Singh and others attended the programme.
