UTTARAKHAND, NOV 22: A team of Indian Air Force (IAF) officers and personnel is making history with a high-altitude bicycle expedition to Adi Kailash, Om Parvat, and Lipulekh Pass. The expedition, organized by Air Force Station (AFS) Agra under the Vibrant Village Project initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to promote eco-friendly adventure tourism in remote border villages of Uttarakhand.
The expedition led by Group Captain Bhavana Mehra was flagged off from AFS Agra and officially began at AFS Bareilly on October 28, 2024. The cyclists are covering eight out of 13 districts in Uttarakhand and are visiting remote villages, showcasing the IAF’s dedication to supporting civilian presence in these strategically significant areas. The journey is set to culminate at AFS Bhowali on November 23, 2024.
The expedition achieved a milestone on November 11, 2024, when ten IAF cyclists reached Adi Kailash at an altitude of 16,000 feet, marking the first time this feat has been accomplished on bicycles. The team reached the Om Parvat viewpoint at 15,500 feet on November 13 and has conquer Lipulekh Pass on next day.
“This is the first-ever bicycle expedition in this region by the IAF,” said Group Captain Bhavana Mehra, while talking to The Newsroom 24 – Awaz. “Through this initiative, we aim to promote adventure tourism and encourage reverse immigration by creating avenues for local earnings, thereby strengthening the civilian presence in border villages,” she said.
The expedition highlights the IAF’s support for Uttarakhand’s tourism initiatives and collaboration with the Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN), which actively promotes pilgrimage tourism to Adi Kailash, Om Parvat, and the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
The team, consisting of 12 members, includes Sergeants Rajesh K Roy and Abhay Sharma; Corporals Rahul Yadav, Sheikh Md M, Nehpal Singh, and RK Pandey; LACs P Anurag Kumar, Nitin B Khedkar, Rishikesh B Maske, Rahul Kumar, and Siddharth Patnaik.
