PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Jyotirmath
The State Tourism minister, Satpal Maharaj inaugurated the Winter Carnival and National Skiing Competition in Auli on Friday. He said that a number of activities would be held in this carnival which will conclude on February 16. “Besides, cultural programmes and presentations of local folk arts are also making this event a unique one,” he said and added that this would create new employment opportunities for the local youth, promote homestays and local enterprises and strengthen regional economy.
Explaining the State government’s objective behind holding the national event, the minister said that this would help Auli get a distinct identity as a permanent winter sports hub. “The winter carnival is also being organised along with it to promote winter tourism. This will be held annually,” he declared.
He further said that the Surya Devbhoomi Challenge would be held in collaboration with the Indian Army in April, covering a total of 91 km of trail from Helang to Urgam Rudranath, Mandal and Ukhimath. “Following the success of the Adi Kailash Ultra Marathon, the Niti Extreme Ultra Run is scheduled for May 31 in the Niti Valley of Chamoli district, featuring a 75 km ultramarathon from Rimkhim to Malari via Niti and a 42 km marathon from Malari via Niti to Malari. Efforts are also being made to ensure the presence of foreign participants in the event,” he said.
Moreover, construction of the Kedarnath and Hemkund ropeways under Parvatmala Project is likely to begin this year. “The construction of this ropeway will provide convenience to the devotees visiting these two shrines. Besides, the ropeway at Auli will be repaired soon for which the technical team has reached Joshimath,” he informed.
In the Joint Slalom Women’s category competition held on the first day, the participants from Himachal Pradesh won all the three medals. A total of 19 women participated in it.
