Sambalpur, July 31:  Sambalpur DFO Viswanath Neelannavar has covered a tedious journy of 550 km from Leh to Umling La to create awareness on forest, wildlife and environment and to inculcate habit of cycling among youths of the country,” said Viswanath who has recently returned from this expedition from Himalayan range of J&K.
“The journey started on July 15 and ended on 22. The route was very tough. 40 percent of the route was off road. There was heavy headwind, storm and drizzles on the route. Weather was unpredictable in the mountains with lot of variations. And oxygen was the major factor,” said the young DFO while narrating his daring experiences.
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, said Viswanath.
“Our destination was at 19024 feet altitude and we reached it facing all challenges with 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 persons took part in the expedition from the entire country, 30 could reach the destination. The rest 15 couldn’t because of different reasons including health hazards.