48 girls finish six-day trek in Kulgam, explore different off-beat places

Kulgam, Oct 12: A group of 48 girls from various schools in the Kulgam district of South Kashmir that was sent on a six-day trek, returned on Wednesday.
The group was flagged by Deputy Commissioner Kulgam. The Youth Services and Sports (YSS) Department, Kulgam organized the program in collaboration with the district administration.
The girls were from six Kulgam education zones and were on an expedition. During the six days, the girl students explored the areas adjacent to the famed offbeat tourist destination Aharbal. Ghulam Hassan, District Youth Services and Sports Officer (DYSSO) Kulgam told Rising Kashmir that the girl students were flagged off by the DC Kulgam after managing all their basic requirements for the hassle-free expedition tour.
“On the third day, female hikers explored different fossil sites and were briefed by a senior YSS official on the importance of these sites,” he said.
During the six days trek they explored places like Gurwattan, Sangam, Kongwattan, Sedow top Shopain and other places.
In addition, the J&K Forest Department officials of the Kulgam Forest Division organized for them a biodiversity awareness programme on the Aharbal-Gurwattan hiking trail in collaboration with DYSS Kulgam.
An official said, programs like these have been organized several times in the district.
He called on students to focus on studies as well as sports. He expressed hope that these programs will continue to take place. An official said, this was the first phase of the camp in which the six zones of the district participated and another group of boys is likely to be flagged off in a day or two.
Several departments were involved in the trekking camp and with their cooperation, the tour was a success, said DYSSO.
“Aharbal Development Authority, Forest Department, Education Department, BMO DamhalHanjipora and others shared their expertise in the program,” he said.
During the closing ceremony, SDM Noorabad Bashir-ulHasan handed out certificates to hikers and management personnel.