Sambalpur: Local Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Viswanath Neelannavar has covered a tedious journey of 550 km from Leh to Umling La to create awareness on forests, wildlife and the environment and to inculcate the habit of cycling among youths in the country.
After his recent return from the Himalayan range, Viswanath, sharing his daring experience, said, “The journey started on July 15 and ended after seven days. The route was very tough. Forty percent of the route was off-road. There was heavy headwind, a storm and drizzle on the route. The weather was unpredictable in the mountains, with a lot of variations. And oxygen was the major factor.”
Initially, the team stayed in Leh for two days to acclimatise with the weather and situation in the new environment. Then it began the journey, he added.
“Our destination was at 19024 feet altitude and we reached it facing all challenges with a lot of patience,” he said further.
The programme was taken up in association with Youth Hostel Association of India and was completed successfully. While 45 people took part in the expedition from the entire country, 30 could reach the destination. The rest of the 15 couldn’t for different reasons including health issues, Viswanath concludes.