Raipur 28 March 25: On the initiative of Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, a select group of tribal rock climbers is being sent to Miyar Valley for an alpine mountaineering expedition accompanied by an internationally renowned Himalayan guide. Rohit Vyas is playing a key leadership role in this unique initiative launched by the Chief Minister. This is the first of its kind in India, where a state government is sponsoring tribal mountaineers for such technically challenging mountaineering in the Indian Himalaya. Uniqueness of Alpine Mountaineering Alpine style mountaineering differs from traditional mountaineering. It involves using lighter equipment, climbing mountains in small teams and without any pre-established camps or fixed ropes. It is considered to be the purest and most challenging style of mountaineering, which is mainly done by professional mountaineers. The main objective of this expedition is to promote adventure sports among youth at the state level and encourage technical mountaineering in the Indian Himalaya at the national level. This initiative could prove to be an important step in the revival of Indian mountaineering.
The Jashpur administration is actively promoting adventure sports as a lifestyle for the youth, thereby creating income opportunities for local guides and boosting regional tourism. Rohit Vyas (IAS) said, “Through this campaign, we want to change the image of Jashpur. We want to showcase the strength and potential of the tribal youth to the country and give the coming generations a glimpse of India’s progressive and creative future.” The campaign is led by Swapnil Shirish Rachelwar, Director of the state’s renowned adventure company Pahadi Bakra Adventure, supported by local organizations like Vedic Vatika, Jashpure, Advenom, Kaafi Media and RunnersXP, which have contributed to putting the state on national and international maps, as well as leading Indian companies like Mystic Himalayan Trail and Crag Development Initiative. Rock climbers from Jashpur district Tejal Bhagat, Sachin Kujur, Pratik Nayak, Rushnath Bhagat and Ravi have been selected for the campaign. The expedition is scheduled in September, with the first introductory workshop starting tomorrow at the Deshadekkha climbing sector, Chhattisgarh’s first adventure sports dedicated sector. Throughout the year, further workshops will be held with the participation of selected Indian coaches and athletes. The expedition is expected to boost regional tourism, strengthen the local economy and introduce tribal talent to the Indian mountaineering community, thereby contributing to the development of adventure sports in the country.
