60 NCC CADETS EMBARK ON A 10 DAYS SAILING EXPEDITION FROM

PRAYAGRAJ TO VARANASI

MISSION GANGA: CLEAN WATER, GREEN SHORES

Prayagraj, 22 Oct (HS): A prestigious 10 days River Sailing

Expedition- 2026 is being organised by 1 UP Naval Unit NCC, Prayagraj under the

aegis of NCC Directorate (UP), Lucknow was ceremonially flagged off by Maj Gen

Gaurav Gautam, VSM, Additional Director General, NCC Directorate (UP), from

Saraswati Ghat, Prayagraj on Thursday. The Flag Off Ceremony was graced by the

presence of Piyush Mordia, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Prayagraj, Brig Navneet

Dagar Deputy GOC Sub area and Station Cdr, Brig Chiv Mehta, Deputy GOC 4 div,

Brig Saurav Vats, Group Commander, NCC Group Headquarters, Prayagraj and other

distinguished guests.

The expedition, being conducted from October 22 to 31 2026

will cover the River Ganga route from Prayagraj to Varanasi culminating at Assi

Ghat, Varanasi, on October 31, 2026. A total of 60 NCC cadets comprising 35 boys and 25 girls are

participating in this challenging expedition led by one Officer and 26 staff

members. The expedition fleet comprises of three 27 ft DK Whaler sailing boats,

two safety boats and one Gemini boat.

The expedition is being undertaken under the theme

MISSION GANGA: CLEAN WATER, GREEN SHORES with the objective of

promoting adventure, leadership, discipline, teamwork, courage and

environmental awareness among NCC cadets. The expedition also aims to spread

awareness about the importance of maintaining the cleanliness of River Ganga,

preventing water pollution and protecting the river ecosystem in line with the

objectives of the Government of India's Namami Gange Programme.

During the 10 days journey cadets will navigate through

different stretches of River Ganga and undertake various naval adventure

activities including sailing, seamanship, boat handling and river navigation.

The expedition will pass through various locations including Chaadi, Sirsa,

Pandeypur Parva, Hargarh Bazar, Danghar, Nifara, Visundarpur, Kathinai Ghat and

Gangpur before reaching Varanasi. At designated halting points cadets will

interact with local communities and spread awareness about river conservation,

cleanliness and environmental protection. Prior to the commencement of the

expedition, all participating cadets underwent intensive training in swimming,

sailing, boat pulling, boat handling, seamanship and water safety.

Comprehensive safety arrangements have been incorporated into the expedition

plan, including safety boats, life jackets, communication equipment, medical

support and emergency response measures. Necessary coordination has also been

undertaken with the district administration, police authorities and medical

establishments along the expedition route.

Speaking on the occasion, Maj Gen Gaurav Gautam, VSM, ADG,

NCC Directorate( UP), highlighted the importance of adventure training in

developing leadership qualities, self confidence, physical endurance and a

spirit of teamwork amongst young cadets. He emphasised that such expeditions

provide valuable opportunities for NCC cadets to develop practical skills,

overcome challenges and emerge as disciplined and responsible citizens of the nation.

The ADG appreciated the enthusiastic participation of girl cadets and

acknowledged the dedicated efforts of the Officers, instructors and staff of 1

UP Naval Unit NCC, Prayagraj in organising the expedition.

The expedition reflects the commitment of the National Cadet

Corps towards youth development, nation-building and environmental

conservation. The Flag Off Ceremony concluded with best wishes to the

participating cadets and expedition team for a safe and successful journey,

informed Wg Cdr Debartho Dhar, Pro & Spokesperson, Ministry of Defence, Prayagraj.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi