SRINAGAR: On the occasion of International Mountain Day-2021, the Department of Tourism, held a photo contest here which had evoked a keen response from the youth.
The Department had invited participants to submit photographs of mountainscapes, mountain ecosystems, flora and fauna, trails and heritage sites with a mountain backdrop.
The theme for this year’s International Mountain Day was “Sustainable Mountain Tourism” as Sustainable mountain tourism contributes to create additional and alternative livelihood options and helps in poverty alleviation and social inclusion.
Over 400 entries were received in the contest with approximately one lac views across various social media platforms.
A photo gallery of the most voted photos was put on display at the main venue yesterday and the top three pictures were awarded at the event.
According to Director, Tourism, Kashmir, Dr. G N Itoo the idea was floated with a three pronged objective of a positive engagement of youth and raising their interest in the adventure activities besides creating a repository of photographs for display on various occasions.
Yesterday, it may be mentioned here, the Tourism Department had celebrated Mountain Day with all fervor and festivity. The Department had organized a series of activities which included a winter trek from Naranag to Marchoi in Ganderbal district besides a snow cycling and ATV race at famed skiing destination Gulmarg. A wall climbing event at Tourist Reception Centre, Nowgam was also flagged off through online mode.
The Tourism Department also released, on the occasion, trekking maps of offbeat destinations and screening of documentary films on Mount Everest, involving local climbers, and Sustainable Mountain Tourism.

KR Desk