Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra in collaboration with Excise Department Jammu, on Saturday organized a one day Trekking event from Mansar Lake to Mahoregarh fort.
A group of 150 trekkers from SMVDU was flagged off from Mansar by Kusum Sharma, Dy. Excise Commissioner Executive Jammu in the presence of Nagendra Singh Jamwal, Registrar SMVDU and Ved Prakash CEO Surinsar Mansar Development Authority SMDA.
"This is an important Trek which the Tourism department has promoted from the last few years for making Mansar and adjoining areas a winter hub of soft adventure activities like trekking, adventure camps, hiking etc” Kusum Sharma.
She said that the trekking expedition for students is aimed at spreading awareness about drug abuse and encouraging youth to pursue a healthy lifestyle and take part in sports and adventure activities.
She said that the Excise department believes that participation of youth in sports and adventure activities would lead to positive lifestyle changes. Nagendra Singh Jamwal, Registrar SMVDU briefed the students about the trekking event and the need for the cleanliness to be maintained in the Surinsar Mansar Wildlife Sanctuary.
He emphasized that Mansar offers many trekking routes which make the experience of a visitor more enjoyable and adventurous. He thanked the Excise department for sponsoring such types of events so as to motivate youth and to keep them away from anti-social activities like drugs. He congratulated Board of Cultural Activities for organising such a event.
Ved Prakash, CEO, SMDA appealed to the participants to adopt adventure activities and participate in wonderful treks developed by the Authority. "Surinsar Mansar region offers treks through Wildlife sanctuary and ASI monuments" he said.
He invited the participants to explore heritage destinations like Mahoregarh, Dhergarh, Purmandal and Babore temples located in the jurisdiction of SMDA. Suraj Prakash Lochan, ETO Samba, Rupali Vaid, ETO Udhampur Excise Range educated the participants about the menace of drug abuse.
"Drug addiction is a challenge where the Government alone cannot succeed unless there is community help, parental assistance and a proactive role shown by all sections of society," he said.
Starting the seven kilometre trek from Mansar to Mahoregarh Fort - a famous monument of J&K UT, the trekkers enjoyed beautiful panoramic views of the nearby hills while ascending the trail.
The trekkers were enchanted by the beauty of serene Mansar Lake and the greenery on offer. At the culmination of the trek, the participants were given certificates by the Chief Guest.
Students from SMVDU while sharing their experiences said that such trails give an opportunity to enjoy nature at its best and hoped for joining more treks organized by the University and the Excise Department in near future.