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Time of India
14 hours ago
- Time of India
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Restarts After 5 Years, First Batch Leaves from Nathula Pass, ET TravelWorld
Advt Advt Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals. Subscribe to Newsletter to get latest insights & analysis in your inbox. All about ETTravelWorld industry right on your smartphone! Download the ETTravelWorld App and get the Realtime updates and Save your favourite articles. After a gap of five years, the revered Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Sikkim recommenced on Friday with the ceremonial flagging off of the first batch of pilgrims by Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur from the Nathula Pass The batch comprises 33 pilgrims, accompanied by two nodal officers and one doctor from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), making a total of 36 members. The resumption of this spiritual journey marks a significant moment of international cooperation and cultural continuity between India and at the flagging-off ceremony, Governor Mathur said, "It is a moment of immense pride for the state of Sikkim that this historic and spiritual journey is progressing through the sacred land of the state." He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for reviving the yatra, terming it a sign of restored heritage and international Governor also lauded the Sikkim Government, ITBP, and Indian Army for their coordination in making this possible. Before their departure, he interacted with the pilgrims, offering wishes for a safe and healthy journey. Sikkim tourism minister Tshering Thendup Bhutia says, "After 5 years, history is being created that devotees from all over India are coming here and getting ready to start the Mansarovar yatra... This Kailash Mansarovar yatra was closed for many days due to COVID-19. But now the first batch is going today, and the second batch is getting ready. It also gives publicity to Sikkim's Nathu La and will also give value addition to Sikkim tourism..."The pilgrims underwent stringent medical screening and completed a two-phase high-altitude acclimatisation process, first at the 18th Mile and then at Sherathang. These measures were mandatory to prepare them for the extreme Himalayan conditions, situated at altitudes above 14,000 official from the Indian Army confirmed the fitness of the group, stating, "All yatris have been declared fit by the medical team and are ready to proceed."Shalanda Sharma, one of the pilgrims, told ANI, "This yatra is starting after five years through mutual agreement between the Government of India and the Government of China. The arrangements, the hospitality, and the medical attention--we're truly grateful. We're all excited to carry blessings from Kailash Mansarovar back to India."Another pilgrim, Indar Sharma, praised the arrangements made by the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) and authorities, stating that everything from medical checks to logistics had been handled efficiently. He added, "We are carrying blessings and hope this yatra strengthens India-China ties and allows more pilgrims in the future."As per schedule, by 9:15 AM, the group was expected to cross the Nathula border into the Chinese side, where immigration formalities would be completed before they continue their pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Mansarovar yatra is being jointly facilitated by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation, and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, ensuring a safe and smooth experience for all participants.
Hindustan Times
14 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra resumes from Sikkim's Nathula Pass after a 5-year gap
After a gap of five years, the revered Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Sikkim recommenced on Friday with the ceremonial flagging off of the first batch of pilgrims by Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur from the Nathula Pass. The batch comprises 33 pilgrims, accompanied by two nodal officers and one doctor from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), making a total of 36 members. The resumption of this spiritual journey marks a significant moment of international cooperation and cultural continuity between India and China. Speaking at the flagging-off ceremony, Governor Mathur said, "It is a moment of immense pride for the state of Sikkim that this historic and spiritual journey is progressing through the sacred land of the state." He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for reviving the yatra, terming it a sign of restored heritage and international goodwill. The Governor also lauded the Sikkim Government, ITBP, and Indian Army for their coordination in making this possible. Before their departure, he interacted with the pilgrims, offering wishes for a safe and healthy journey. Sikkim tourism minister Tshering Thendup Bhutia says, "After 5 years, history is being created that devotees from all over India are coming here and getting ready to start the Mansarovar yatra... This Kailash Mansarovar yatra was closed for many days due to COVID-19. But now the first batch is going today, and the second batch is getting ready. It also gives publicity to Sikkim's Nathu La and will also give value addition to Sikkim tourism..." The pilgrims underwent stringent medical screening and completed a two-phase high-altitude acclimatisation process, first at the 18th Mile and then at Sherathang. These measures were mandatory to prepare them for the extreme Himalayan conditions, situated at altitudes above 14,000 feet. An official from the Indian Army confirmed the fitness of the group, stating, "All yatris have been declared fit by the medical team and are ready to proceed." Shalanda Sharma, one of the pilgrims, told ANI, "This yatra is starting after five years through mutual agreement between the Government of India and the Government of China. The arrangements, the hospitality, and the medical attention--we're truly grateful. We're all excited to carry blessings from Kailash Mansarovar back to India." Another pilgrim, Indar Sharma, praised the arrangements made by the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) and authorities, stating that everything from medical checks to logistics had been handled efficiently. He added, "We are carrying blessings and hope this yatra strengthens India-China ties and allows more pilgrims in the future." As per schedule, by 9:15 AM, the group was expected to cross the Nathula border into the Chinese side, where immigration formalities would be completed before they continue their pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake. The yatra is being jointly facilitated by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation, and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, ensuring a safe and smooth experience for all participants.
New Indian Express
18 hours ago
- General
- New Indian Express
Power supply to Uttarakhand's remote border villages and ITBP posts for first time since Independence
The work plan focuses on reaching these highly inaccessible and strategically crucial areas adjacent to the India-China border, marking a new chapter of development and connectivity for Uttarakhand's frontier regions. The tendering process has been completed for projects to provide grid-based electricity supply to the 43 ITBP outposts and 882 homes across eight border villages identified under the Vibrant Village Programme. These key locations are spread across the Pithoragarh, Uttarkashi, and Chamoli districts. Under the Vibrant Village Programme, Purali village in Uttarkashi district, along with Nabi, Kutti, Gunji, Garbyang, Shila, Baling, and Tidang villages in Pithoragarh, have been selected for grid connectivity to 882 homes in total. Survey work is currently underway, including technical assessments, line route determination, pole placement, transformer planning, and other essential preparatory tasks. UPCL Managing Director Anil Kumar stated, 'Under the guidance of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, both these schemes are extremely crucial from the perspective of national security and rural empowerment.' He added that despite the challenging weather conditions and limited accessibility in these mountainous regions, UPCL's regional teams are working on a war footing to achieve these targets
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Arsenic, plastic in Indus: Ladakh launches army-civilian cleaning drive
Denny generated AI image SRINAGAR: Alarmed by the unhealthy level of arsenic in the Indus waters, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) on Thursday decided to launch a large-scale community-driven cleanliness campaign involving Army, ITBP, BRO, local bodies, and the public. Recent water tests have revealed that the arsenic levels in the Indus waters are more than that found in treated sewage plants. Calling the findings 'deeply concerning and unacceptable,' LAHDC chairman Tashi Gyalson directed the Leh additional DC to form flying squads at the sub-divisional level to identify vulnerable stretches and prevent garbage dumping and the discharge of untreated sewage into the river. A district-level committee will monitor progress, oversee interventions, and formulate future strategies. Gyalson said, 'And more than that (arsenic), plastic dumping in the river has aggravated the pollution problem. We will not allow the river to become a dumping ground. This river is not just a waterbody. It is sacred, worshipped, and essential to life here.' He chaired a meeting attended by senior officials from civil administration, army, and ITBP, calling for an urgent coordinated action involving municipal committees, rural and urban development bodies, and the public. Representatives of the trade and hotel industries attended the meeting. Chief wildlife warden, Sajjad Mufti, has been directed to invoke relevant bylaws under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, or other applicable laws, to ensure strict penalties are slapped on flouters.
NDTV
5 days ago
- NDTV
First Batch Of Kailash Mansarovar Yatris Leave For Nathula Pass
New Delhi: After a five-year gap, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Nathula Pass in Sikkim has resumed with a batch of 36 pilgrims - 23 male and 13 female - heading to the 18 Mile base on Monday, ahead of their scheduled journey to Mansarovar on June 20. The group of pilgrims was briefed by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) before their departure. The team will be accompanied by liaison officers, cooks, ITBP personnel, and a doctor throughout their journey. "It's a very important yatra and a great duty as a Liaison Officer to take the yatris to that holy place. Most of the yatris are of old age, but they are full of energy, full of vigour, and are excited to complete the yatra. A medical checkup has already been carried out (once) in Delhi. The ITBP is also going to conduct a medical checkup," Sanjay Kumar Kothari, Liaison Officer, told NDTV. "ITBP personnel are also going with us to the Chinese side, and we have cooks and doctors from ITBP. Given all the assistance provided by all the agencies, we hope to be able to complete the yatra in the best possible way," Mr Kothari added. The briefing was conducted by the ITBP, the co-along hosts with the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC), who are in charge of providing security to the yatris till Nathula. "We have made all the arrangements for the yatris. All normal arrangements are there, and our people will be there to help in terms of medical help and security arrangements as well," Sanjeev Kumar Singh, Deputy Inspector General (Sikkim), ITBP, told reporters. The pilgrims would first stay at the newly constructed acclimatisation centre at 18 Mile for two days, followed by another two-day stay at Sherathang. On the sixth day, after their medical status and documents are checked, they will cross over to the Chinese side. Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang will flag off the yatris when they leave for the yatra. Citizens up to the age of 70 years can apply for the yatra, and they are chosen through an online procedure overseen by the Ministry of External Affairs. To support their physical and mental readiness for the yatra, the pilgrims will be kept engaged through light activities, including visits to local tourist spots, yoga sessions, and bhajan gatherings. "This is a proud moment for Sikkim and the country. Hosting the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through our state is not just an honour but also an opportunity to showcase our hospitality and infrastructure. We've already begun receiving positive feedback from the pilgrims," said the CEO of Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation, Rajendra Chettri. "This is (also) a proud moment for the STDC because the trust the Ministry of External Affairs has placed in the STDC is just enormous. I think our experience and past record speak for themselves. We have been speaking to the yatris for feedback and taking care of them. Overall, it has been a very satisfying experience for us as well," Mr Chettri added.
