 EARLY TIMES REPORT
Srinagar, Sept 07: In a bid to revive mountaineering as a major adventure sport in Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today flagged-off an expedition to Kolahoi, the valley's highest and most arduous peak to climb, in the first such trek in the last 25 years.
The expedition is being undertaken by Jammu and Kashmir Mountaineering and Hiking Club (JKHMC) to conquer Kolahoi, an official spokesman said.
He said Sayeed, who also holds the Tourism portfolio, handed over the flag to the squad leader and wished his team success at a simple flag off ceremony organized here this morning.
"The State Tourism Department is sponsoring a joint team of Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF), country's premier regulatory body on mountaineering expeditions, and JKMHC, which will attempt to scale one of the iconic peaks of the valley for the first time since 1990," the spokesman said.
In his meeting with IMF President in May this year, the Chief Minister had described the state as a mountaineer's delight and underlined the need to organize expeditions to Nun Kun and Kolahoi peaks to provide fillip to adventure sports in the state.
The Secretary Tourism informed the Chief Minister that this year so far, seven expeditions to Nun Kun peaks have been organized by IMF, with active support of the Tourism Department, the spokesman said.
He said a well-trained group of 15 climbers, led by Group Leader Sourabh Gandhi and equipped with modern mountaineering gadgets, will take eastern ridge route to Kolahoi, the same which was taken by the first successful expedition, led by Kennith Mason and Dr Ernest Neve in 1912.
The expedition will set up base camp at the snout of the Kolahoi Glacier on September 9 and attempt to climb the peak on September 12 and 13.
"The affects of global warming have also taken its toll on the main Kolahoi Glacier, making the route more treacherous because of crevices, icefalls and overhangs," the spokesman said. |
