Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Saturday interacted with a team embarking on a historic expedition to raft the entire length of the Brahmaputra River within Indian borders, according to a defence statement.
Organised by the Dirang-based National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (NIMAS), the expedition will begin on January 14 from Gelling in Upper Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh, and conclude on February 14 at Hatsingimari in Dhubri district, Assam.
Khandu symbolically flagged off the journey during a ceremony where NIMAS Director Col Ranveer Singh Jamwal briefed him on the expedition’s objectives, challenges, and anticipated outcomes.
As vice president of the institute, Khandu commended the team for their dedication and offered his blessings.
He expressed confidence in their success and eagerness to welcome them back upon their return.
The team will navigate 916 kilometers of the Brahmaputra River in this first-of-its-kind expedition, aimed at promoting adventure tourism, fostering environmental awareness, and inspiring youth to take up adventure sports, said defence spokesperson Lt Col Mahendra Rawat.
The statement described the journey as a testament to the indomitable human spirit and a significant contribution to advancing river rafting as an adventure sport in India.
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Taking to social media, Khandu wrote, “Pushing the boundaries of adventure, NIMAS is all set to script history with a record-breaking 916-km rafting expedition on the Brahmaputra River!”
He highlighted the journey’s route from Gelling, Arunachal Pradesh, to Hatsingimari, Assam, traversing one of the world’s most majestic and challenging river systems.
Led by NIMAS Director Col Ranveer Singh Jamwal and Capt Kavitha Vasupalli, the team includes seven members from Arunachal Pradesh.
Khandu lauded their pioneering spirit, adding, “We trust the team to conquer this challenge and bring glory to NIMAS and the nation! Wishing them a safe, successful journey.”
