Himachal Pradesh Governor Launches Silk Route Ultra Trail Run to Rejuvenate British-Era Heritage
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Synopsis
On April 11, Himachal Pradesh's Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla inaugurated the Fifth Silk Route Ultra Trail Run in Narkanda, aimed at reviving the historic Hindustan-Tibet Road for adventure tourism while promoting a drug-free Himachal.
Key Takeaways
- The Fifth Silk Route Ultra Trail Run was inaugurated on April 11.
- The event is dedicated to encouraging a drug-free Himachal Pradesh.
- It features 250 participants, including international athletes.
- The run promotes eco-tourism and cultural heritage.
- Community efforts are essential in combating drug addiction.
Narkanda (Himachal Pradesh), April 11 (NationPress) The Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Shiv Pratap Shukla, officially launched the Fifth Silk Route Ultra Trail Run on Friday. This event, taking place in the Shimla district, is organized along the Hindustan-Tibet Road, a historic route established by the British in the 19th century, aimed at facilitating trade with Tibet via the Shipki-La border post on the India-China border.
The run spans a distance of 102 kilometers, showcasing the area’s stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, and is divided into four segments.
This initiative is dedicated to the drug-free Himachal Campaign.
During the event, the Governor remarked that "the youth represent not only the future of the country but also its present, and it is the shared duty of everyone to guide them positively."
Supported by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Department, Indian Oil, Himachal Pradesh State AIDS Control Society, and HimEra, the run will feature 250 participants from across India, including three international athletes from France and Germany.
Governor Shukla emphasized that the Silk Route Ultra Trail Run serves not merely as a sporting event but as an exceptional platform to connect with the culture, nature, and traditions of Himachal Pradesh.
He described it as "a significant initiative to revive our history and heritage while fostering adventure and eco-tourism in the region."
He commended the organizers for opening new opportunities for employment and economic empowerment for local youth through such initiatives.
The Governor asserted that combating drug addiction is a collective responsibility, remarking, "The battle against drugs necessitates united efforts from all societal segments."
He expressed concern over the rising issue of drug addiction among the youth, urging society to unite in eradicating this social challenge and preserving the state's rich cultural legacy, known as 'Dev Bhoomi'—the Land of Gods.
Additional Director General of Police, Satwant Atwal Trivedi, lauded the event, stating that the Silk Route Ultra Trail Run exemplifies the spirit of Himachal Pradesh.
Moreover, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order), Abhishek Trivedi, acknowledged the crucial role of sports in positively channeling the energy of the youth.
The challenging Hindustan-Tibet highway, which links the trans-Himalayan Buddhist region of Kinnaur and nearby Spiti to the rest of Himachal Pradesh, runs largely parallel to the flood-prone Satluj river in Kinnaur district.
This highway often faces disruptions over a 100-km stretch between Wangtoo and Khab due to flooding.
Currently, it is designated as National Highway-5.
