Chief Minister Flags Off ITBP’s Himadri Trekking Expedition 2025

Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami flagged off the Himadri Trekking Expedition 2025 of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) from the Chief Minister’s Camp Office on Saturday. On this occasion, the Chief Minister paid tribute to all the passengers who lost their lives in the Ahmedabad plane crash and expressed condolences to their families. A two-minute silence was observed for the peace of the departed souls.

Welcoming the brave soldiers and officers of ITBP, the Chief Minister said that this expedition is not only a symbol of courage and determination but also a significant step towards strategic security and the preservation of cultural heritage in border areas. He mentioned that the 45-member ITBP team will cover a challenging route of approximately 1,032 kilometers from Uttarakhand, through Himachal Pradesh, to Ladakh.

This mission aims to ensure surveillance of strategically important sites and will also help identify religious, historical, and cultural locations, promoting local traditions. The Chief Minister expressed pride in the fact that many brave soldiers from the land of Uttarakhand are serving in the armed forces and paramilitary units, contributing to national defense.

He highlighted that since 1962, the ITBP has been steadfastly guarding India’s borders and playing a vital role in relief and rescue operations during disasters. Referring to the empowerment of the armed forces under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, he mentioned Operation Sindoor as evidence of India’s unwavering commitment to national security.

The Chief Minister informed that the state government continues to work for the welfare of soldiers and their families. The ex-gratia amount for families of martyrs has been increased from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh. The financial rewards for gallantry award recipients have also been enhanced, and the job placement period for dependents of martyrs in government jobs has been extended from two to five years.

Other welfare schemes for gallantry awardees and ex-servicemen include free travel in state buses, stamp duty exemptions on property purchases, and special financial assistance for the marriage of daughters.

IG ITBP Shri Sanjay Gunjyal stated that under the Himadri Trekking Expedition, the ITBP team will cover a total distance of 1,032 km, crossing 27 valleys and 27 mountain passes. He said the expedition aims to promote tourism and boost the local economy, especially by encouraging adventure tourism in Vibrant Village areas. A total of 84 Vibrant Villages fall along this trekking route. During the expedition, the team will also distribute 3.5 lakh fruit-bearing saplings to local residents.

Present on the occasion were Chief Secretary Shri Anand Bardhan, Home Secretary Shri Shailesh Bagoli, DGP Shri Deepam Seth, IG ITBP Shri Girish Chandra Upadhyay, and several ITBP personnel.

Issued by: Department of Information and Public Relations
Government of Uttarakhand