Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 11: In a collaborative effort, Directorate of Tourism Jammu, along with the District Administration Samba, Surinsar Mansar Development Authority CEO and Tawi Trekkers, orchestrated a memorable trek from Sagoon to Purmandal to celebrate International Mountain Day.
The 12-kilometer trek was flagged off by Vivekananda Rai, Director of Tourism Jammu, in the presence of Joint Director Tourism, Sunaina Sharma Mehta.
The trek unfolded breathtaking vistas of Sagoon village, sacred Trikuta hills, Bral Mata temple, Padal village, and holy Devika river. It aimed to spotlight lesser-known beautiful spots.
The event emphasized the critical need to restore and conserve mountain ecosystems aligning which harbor 15% of the world’s population and host nearly half of the world’s biodiversity hotspot.
A total of 103 participants served as ambassadors for sustainable and eco-friendly tourism, embodying a commitment to environmental awareness.
Director Tourism envisioned more such events to promote tourism and adventure activities. He highlighted the significance of this celebration as an opportunity to foster a deeper connection with the mountains, emphasizing their pivotal role in sustaining life and biodiversity.
Sunaina Sharma Mehta emphasized that this initiative champions diverse facets of tourism – adventure, pilgrimage, leisure, recreational and heritage. Stressing International Mountain Day’s ongoing significance, she committed to recurring events, inspiring continuous efforts in responsible tourism and conservation, fostering a sustainable bond between humanity and nature.
Zorawar Singh, co-chairman of Team Jammu, expressed satisfaction and gratitude to the Directorate of Tourism Jammu for orchestrating these impactful events.
The trek was accompanied by Ved Paraksh (CEO, Surinsar-Mansar Development Authority), who championed the cause of sustainable tourism practices in alignment with International Mountain Day.
Others accompanying the trek included Sumit Khajuria (vice president, Mountaineering Association J&K), Ram Khajuria (president, Tawi Trekkers), Shilpa Charak (International Climber), Sonam Siddharth (executive member, Mountaineering Association J&K), along with officials from Tourism Department.
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