Synopsis
A skilled team from NIMAS, led by Col RS Jamwal, successfully completed the first-ever rafting expedition of the entire 1040 km stretch of the Brahmaputra River, showcasing extraordinary teamwork and resilience.Key Takeaways
- First-ever complete rafting of Brahmaputra River.
- 28-day expedition from Gelling village to Hatsingimari.
- Team faced unpredictable terrains and adverse weather.
- Collaboration with local rafters enhanced the journey.
- Experience highlighted the river's majestic beauty and challenges.
Guwahati, Feb 11 (NationPress) A talented group from the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (NIMAS) based in Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh, led by Col Ranveer Singh Jamwal, has triumphantly completed the inaugural effort to navigate the entire 1040 km stretch of the formidable Brahmaputra River, officials announced on Tuesday.
The expedition commenced at Gelling village in Arunachal Pradesh, where the river enters India from Tibet, and concluded at Hatsingimari in Assam, close to the Bangladesh border.
This remarkable journey is a testament to human resilience, collaboration, and a profound commitment to exploring India's untamed landscapes.
Confronting unpredictable terrain, severe weather conditions, and isolated stretches, the expedition accomplished what had never been attempted before. It required months of meticulous preparation, risk assessment, and team coordination.
“Bringing such a monumental adventure to fruition was an immense challenge. It necessitated not only physical readiness but also rigorous planning and leadership. Witnessing this dream materialize into history is a moment of great pride,” stated Col RS Jamwal.
This expedition was carried out under the auspices of the Ministry of Defence, featuring a highly skilled and motivated team from NIMAS, taking 28 days to finish, which included 25 days of intense paddling and three days dedicated to equipment maintenance.
“The team set out on January 14 and concluded on February 10 at Hatsingimari. The team comprised nine rafters and 14 administrative and support staff, including Capt. Kavitha, Hav. Ganesh Paul, Hav. Pramanik, Hav. Yogesh Patil, Mr. Ramayan Singh, Mr. Vipin Singh, Tosap Rime, Rfn. Sanjeep, Nb Sub Ravi, Hav Rakesh Yadav, and 12 additional administrative and support team members. During the Arunachal segment of the expedition, six local rafters joined, and in the Assam segment, four local rafters participated in this historic endeavor,” the official statement elaborated.
The journey commenced from Gelling village on the Siang River (known as Siang in Arunachal Pradesh), where for four consecutive days, the team faced relentless challenges, including perilous flips that tested their resolve.
According to officials, the Assam segment of the expedition started from Poba in Jonai on January 22. This segment witnessed a dramatic transformation of the river, transitioning from its fierce rapids through the Arunachal Himalayas to a vast and powerful riverine system.
“Rafters encountered formidable obstacles such as navigating gigantic eddies, wrestling with unpredictable currents, and continuously adapting to the river’s ever-changing dynamics. The river's immense scale consistently presents a unique challenge and requires unwavering vigilance and strategic navigation to keep the course. This segment tested the team's physical and mental endurance and provided a profound experience of the Brahmaputra's raw power and breathtaking beauty,” the statement concluded.
