New Delhi: The pilot project “Youth to the Edge” was launched today in a function held at Indian Mountaineering Foundation, New Delhi, by Shri Paban Singh Ghatowar, Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region. The project is aimed to promote adventure activities in the remote areas of North East Region (NER). The volunteers from National Service Scheme (NSS) and Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) under Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports will participate in the adventure activities under the project.
The states in the North Eastern Region offer tremendous potential for various adventure / outdoor activities viz. Mountaineering, Trekking & camping, Rock climbing & Rappelling, Jeep Safaris, Cultural Tours, Village / Home stay, community tourism, Bird watching, Angling, water skiing, White Water Rafting / Canoeing / kayaking, etc.
Taking advantage of this potential, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, under the pilot project “Youth to the Edge”, proposes to promote adventure activities in the remote areas of North East Region, in which around 2000 youth (1500 from North Eastern Region + 1500 from other States) will participate in adventure and cultural activities. On a trial basis, 03 trekking trails (02 in Arunachal & 01 in Nagaland) have been planned for the volunteers from National Service Scheme (NSS) and Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) under Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The pilot scheme is being launched with the Motto “Adventure to the Paradise Unexplored”.
Under the Capacity Building of NER youth, they will be trained through the National Mountaineering Institutes and other adventure training organizations. After completion of the courses, they will get opportunity to work as escorts / guides on their own.
Following are the Trekking Trails details that will be covered under the pilot project:
· Three Trekking Trails to be established in NER – Arunachal Pradesh–2, Nagaland-1
· 1500 Students from Rest of India to participate in 45 Camps of 6 days each.
· 250 Students from NER to participate with youth from Rest of India.
· 220 Students from NER to visit rest of India to participate in adventure camps.
· 22 Students from NER to undergo Skill Development Training at National Mountaineering Institutes.
Adventure Camps will channelize Youth Energy in positive direction, develop overall personality, enhance self confidence, endurance and team spirit, improve leadership qualities and promote National Integration.
The project involves an expenditure of Rs.2.87 crore. It will be funded by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region through North Eastern Council (NEC) and executed by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports through National Service Scheme (NSS).