The Annual All India Trekking Expedition for NCC girls got underway at the Government Higher Secondary School in Hubhathalai near Coonoor on Saturday.
The first batch of 125 trekkers from Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu was flagged off by Colonel K.S.Marwah, the Officiating Deputy Director General, NCC Directorate (Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Nicobar).
According to the Officiating Group Commander, Colonel Ramanjit Singh, NCC Group Headquarters, Coimbatore, hundreds of cadets from various parts of India are participating in the expedition. They will trek over a distance of about 80 km over 14 days.
He said the cadets would trek through Chamraj, Yedakkadu, Nanjanad and Ooty, before returning to the base camp.
Objective
The objective of the expedition was to promote national integration, camaraderie, and a spirit of adventure.
It would also build self confidence and enhance awareness about the environment, flora and fauna.
The cadets would become familiar with the culture of various places.
Visits to tea factories, and other places of interest would form part of the expedition.
Arrangements
Pointing out that elaborate arrangements have been made for the camp, the Administrative Officer, NCC Group Headquarters, Lt.Colonel R.K.Yadav said that the Nilgiris Collector Archana Patnaik has ensured that the expedition goes off without a hitch.