Col Kohtiyal felicitated for restoring Kedarnath’s glory

Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, July 28

Principal of Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIA), Col Ajay Kohtiyal was felicitated at a function held in New Delhi under the aegis of Uttarakhand Kala Manch for restoring the disaster-affected region of Kedarnath to its old glory in a year.

The holy shrine was completely ravaged due to flash floods in 2013 and a private company was assigned the task to clear the debris and restore Kedarnath, but the said company failed to deliver on its commitment, leaving the state government into the lurch.

It was under such circumstances that Col Ajay Kohtiyal took the challenge of reconstructing the bridled paths and restoring the old glory of Kedarnath shrine, which is reverberating with the sound of temple bells once again.

Col Ajay Kohtiyal, while accepting the award, said the restoration of Kedarnath shows the power of the people of the state. He said the youth in his team took the challenge with full strength and vigour. They were able to prepare the trek routes and open the shrine to the pilgrims by working under freezing temperatures on most occasions.

Col Kohtiyal also informed the gathering about the work done at Kedarnath by his team. He said there was a need for reverse migration. The people who left the state should have love for their home state and should think of ways to develop their village.

He also shared his experience in the Indian Army and said their sole aim was to serve the country. He said the people of the state should unite to work for the development of the state.

He welcomed the people to visit Kedarnath and see for themselves the amount of work done by the team from the NIM.

A painting competition was also organised in which several students from the state participated. Col Kohtiyal said top 10 paintings would be taken to Uttarakhand and will be kept at the CM’s House, Governor’s House and other important places as motivation to the kids.

DIG GS Martolia and ADG Post guard Rajendar Singh were also honoured for their contribution on the occasion.

President of the organisation Brijmohan Upreti and general secretary Pawan Maithani said Kedarnath was standing on its feet once again due to the efforts of Col Kohtiyal and his team who worked day and night to restore its old glory.