VALPOI
While people celebrated Shiv Jayanti with traditional fervour at several events across the State, a 6-year-old girl from Kolhapur marked the event in a unique way by trekking for 7 hours to scale the highest peak along the Goa-Karnataka border and hoist the Shivaji flag.
Sonsogor is the highest peak in the Western Ghats along the Goa-Karnataka border, and the terrain is a challenge even for experienced trekkers.
But Anvi Anita Chetan Ghatge was determined to scale the Sonsogor peak.
Appreciating her determination and reviewing her previous achievements, Deputy Conservator of Forests (North & Wildlife) Jiss Varkey sent 11 forest guards from the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary to accompany Anvi on her unique climb. Anvi’s trainer, her parents Chetan and Anita, and Prof. Anil Magar also participated in the expedition.
On February 19, Anvi began her climb at the base of Sonsogor at 6.30 am and crossed a river on three occasions. After a long and arduous climb of nearly 7 hours, Anvi scaled the Sonsogor peak at about 1.15 pm, where she hoisted the Shivaji flag and delivered the message, ‘Save nature, save the environment, avoid the use of plastic’.
Anvi then began descending the Sonsogor peak at about 3.15 pm and reached the base at about 8.15 pm.
DCF Varkey later commended her achievement by presenting Anvi with a certificate of appreciation.
