Indo-Bhutan rafting, cycle expedition from Dec 24

Gangtok, Dec 19: The armed forces of both India and Bhutan will conduct a joint white water rafting and cycle expedition from December 24 next with an objective to further enhance the solidarity and cooperation between the two countries.

Organised by Indian Military Training Team in Bhutan (IMTRAT) with assistance from Black Cat Division, the expedition is scheduled to be flagged off from here on December 23 and flagged off at Thimpu on January 1, 2007.

The event provides an opportunity for Adventure enthusiasts of both the armies to test their grit and determination and work together as a cohesive team.

The expedition is being conducted in two phases with phase one involving white water rafting, along Teesta river from Burdong to the Coronation Bridge (58 km), and phase two requiring the team to cycle from Coronation Bridge to Thimpu (348 km).

A total of three officers and eighteen other ranks from both the countries would participate in the expedition.

The Eastern Command Aqua Node Teesta (ECANT), Burdong has been entrusted with the responsibility of training the Adventure team for this expedition.

Established at Burdong in South Sikkim in September 1998 under the aegis of Black Cat Division, the Aqua Node imparts training in various adventure activities related to white water rafting kayaking, mountain cycling and mountain running.

Some of the memorable expeditions conducted by this Node, include the Indo-Bhutan expedition in 2001, Indo-Bangladesh expedition and NDA WWR Expedition in 2003, Black Cat Gunners Expedition in 2005 and Eastern Command Multi Dimensional Expedition this year.

Besides this every year in February, Aqua Node Burdong conducts the mega triathlon event, the Adventure cup of Easter Command.

UNI