Srinagar, Oct 26: The Trekking-cum-Environment Awareness Camp for girls organised by Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) Awantipura concluded at Sonamarg on Tuesday.
 In the four day programme 30 female students, representing different departments of IUST  took part. The team was led by Director physical education Prof. KA Tarzan and was assisted by Asstt Professor-in-English Nowsheen. The team undertook day treks to Bear Valley, Thajewas and Baltal under the guidance of famous adventurer and Director (Operations), Adventure Call Tours and travels, Muhammad Yusuf, a statement issued by IUSTY said.
 The students trekked in cold climatic conditions and even braved the heavy fresh snow fall. In order to aware the villagers about health and hygiene etc the students also visited some villages at Sonamarg. They also had interaction with the residents of Nilgrath village, where the people belonging to Dard-Shina tribe are residing for long.
 Minister of State for Tourism and Home, Nasir Aslam Wani was chief guest, while the IUST Vice-Chancellor, Prof. A R Trag presided over the function.
 Among others the Chief Executive Officer, Sonamarg Development Authority Muhammad Yousuf, SSP Ganderbal Shahid Mehraj, Executive Engineer SDA, R.K Bhat and Director (Operations) Adventure Call Tours and Travels, Muhammad Yusuf were also present on the occasion.
 The students stressed the need of promoting adventure sports in Sonamarg for which we have tremendous potential here.
 They also informed the guests that the Thajewas glaciers have receded to a great extent. They informed that there is hardly any glacier left here.
 In his speech the Vice-chancellor assured the students that more such programmes will be conducted by the University. He said that there was a need of protecting our environment. He also assured the students that Educational Tours outside the state will also be conducted by the University so that they know the living standards of other citizens of India.
 MOS Tourism and Home, Nasir Aslam Wani assured the participants that all efforts will be made to raise the trained manpower for the tourism industry.
 He said that the Govt. if introducing several tourism related products which include hot air ballooning in the valley soon.
 In his vote of thanks address Dr. K.A. Tarzan expressed his gratitude to Sonamarg Development authority, and Adventure Call Tours and Travels for extending their help to make the programme a grand success. He also expressed his thanks to Hon’ble Minister Nasir Aslam Wani and Vice-Chancellor for spending their precious time with the students and encouraging them to such fascinating and thrilling adventure sports.

Lastupdate on : Wed, 26 Oct 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 26 Oct 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:00:00 IST