Dehradun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday flagged off the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force’s (ITBP) ‘Himadri Tracking Expedition-2025’ from the Chief Minister’s Camp Office in Dehradun.
At the outset of the event, the Chief Minister paid heartfelt tributes to the victims of the recent Ahmedabad plane crash by observing a two-minute silence and extended his condolences to the bereaved families.
Welcoming the ITBP officers and jawans, the Chief Minister lauded the expedition as a symbol of courage, determination, and dedication to service. He emphasized that the campaign also serves as a significant step toward enhancing strategic border security, while preserving the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the region.
The Chief Minister informed that the 45-member ITBP team will embark on a challenging 1,032-km journey from Uttarakhand to Ladakh via Himachal Pradesh. During the expedition, the team will traverse 27 valleys and cross 27 high-altitude mountain passes, aiding in the surveillance of strategically critical locations and identification of sites with religious, historical, and cultural importance.
“It is a matter of immense pride that the brave soldiers from the land of Uttarakhand are contributing to the nation’s security through their service in the armed and paramilitary forces,” the Chief Minister said. “The ITBP is not only guarding the borders but also playing a crucial role in disaster management.”
Highlighting the government’s support for armed forces personnel, the Chief Minister cited the example of ‘Operation Sindoor’ as a testament to the central government’s efforts under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to empower and strengthen the forces.
He also outlined several welfare initiatives introduced by the state government for soldiers and their families, including an increase in ex-gratia compensation to families of martyrs from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh. Other benefits include additional incentives for gallantry award recipients, an extended five-year period for job adjustments in government service for martyr families, and exemption from stamp duty on property purchases.
ITBP Inspector General Sanjay Gunjyal shared that during the expedition, the team will pass through 84 vibrant border villages. As part of the campaign, approximately 3.5 lakh fruit saplings will be distributed to local communities, promoting environmental sustainability, local livelihoods, and adventure tourism.
The event witnessed the presence of several dignitaries including Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan, Home Secretary Shailesh Bagauli, Director General of Police Deepam Seth, and ITBP IGs Girish Chandra Upadhyay and Sanjay Gunjyal, along with numerous officers and personnel of the force.
