The Chief Minister flagged off the Himadri Trekking Expedition 2025 of ITBP. CM Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday flagged off the Himadri Trekking Expedition 2025 of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBP) from the Chief Minister’s Camp Office. On this occasion, the Chief Minister paid tributes to all the passengers who lost their lives in the Ahmedabad plane crash and expressed condolences to their families. A two-minute silence was observed for the peace of the departed souls.
Welcoming the brave jawans, officers of ITBP on the occasion,CM Pushkar Singh said that this operation is not only a symbol of courage and resolve but also an important step towards the strategic security and preservation of cultural heritage of the border areas. The 45-member ITBP contingent will undertake an arduous journey of about 1032 km from Uttarakhand to Ladakh via Himachal Pradesh as part of the expedition, he said. This campaign will not only ensure monitoring of strategically important sites but will also help in identifying religious, historical and cultural sites and promoting local traditions.
CM Pushkar Singh said that it is a matter of pride that a large number of brave soldiers serving in the army and paramilitary forces from the brave land of Uttarakhand are contributing to the defence of the country. He said that the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force, since 1962, has been continuously playing its important role in protecting the borders of the country as well as in relief and rescue operations during disasters. Referring to the steps taken for the empowerment of the Armed Forces under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister said that through ‘Operation Sindoor’, India once again proved that our commitment towards the security of the country is unwavering.
CM Pushkar Singh said that the state government is continuously working for the welfare of the soldiers and their families. The ex-gratia to the next of kin of the martyrs has been increased from Rs.10 lakh to Rs.50 lakh, the amount given to the gallantry awardees has been increased, and the period of adjustment in government jobs to the dependents of the martyrs has been increased from two years to five years. Schemes like free travel in government buses to gallantry awardees and ex-servicemen, exemption of stamp duty on purchase of property, and special grants for marriage of daughters are also being run.
IG ITBP Shri Sanjay Gunjyal said that under the Himadri trekking expedition, the ITBP team will cover a total distance of 1032 km. The team will cross 27 valleys and 27 passes. He said that the objective is to promote adventure tourism in the vibrant village areas along with boosting tourism and local economy. He said that a total of 84 vibrant villages will come up on this trekking route. During this, 3.5 lakh fruit bearing saplings will also be distributed to the local people by the expedition team. Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan, Home Secretary Shailesh Bagauli, DGP Deepam Seth, IG ITBP Girish Chandra Upadhyay and ITBP personnel were present on the occasion. Department of Information and Public Relations.