Srinagar: Tourism Department Kashmir and Adventure Tour Operators Association of Kashmir (ATOAK) in association with J&K Mountaineering & Hiking Club JKMHC, J&K Ski Mountaineering Association JKSMA and J&K Mountain Biking Association JKMBA is celebrating International Mountain Day (IMD) on 11th and 12th December at different places in the valley.
The IMD is observed every year to raise awareness about the protection of the mountain biodiversity and mountain products like tourism, glaciers, forests and wildlife, etc.
According to the communiqué issued by ATOAK, the two-day long celebrations will see a host of activities, including a seminar on Mountain Biodiversity, short films slide shows and presentations will be given by the eminent scholars and subject experts who are taking part in the seminar. “Besides, some outdoor activities, like short mountain biking tours in Zaberwan hills, sport climbing at TRC Nowgam, first ever snow cycle slalom, ski mountaineering races at Gulmarg and some other awareness programs will be conducted during the two days long program.”
“Rauf Tramboo, president ATOAK said 11th December is designated as international mountain day by UNO, he said that every year different themes are chosen by FAO of UNO. This year the theme is “Mountain Biodiversity. Tramboo further informed that like previous years this year too we are celebrating this day with the active support of Department of Tourism Kashmir. He expressed his thanks to Tourism Dept for celebrating the designated day this year at a larger scale,” reads the communiqué.
“Gen Secretary ATOAK, Muhammad Yusuf, informed that some legendary adventurers will be awarded posthumously those include the great adventurer and Ex DG tourism Late Muhammad Ashraf, the adventure sports promoter Late Bashir Ahmad Damna and Extreme Cyclist Fazal Fayaz,” it added.
