Road to Milam glacier by 2018

BD Kasniyal

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Pithoragarh, March 20

Milam, the largest Himalayan glacier in Kumaon region and origin of river Gori, will be linked with motor road probably by three years time from now as Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has completed construction of 31 km of motor road out of a total 55 km distance to the glacier village of Milam, which is also one of the favoured spot of trekkers from across the country and abroad.

According to BRO sources, out of a total sanctioned road of 55 km from Munsiyari town to Milam glacier, a total of 31 km road has been completed. The road is being constructed in two portions, from Milam to Rilkot and from Munsiyari to Dhapa, the 14 km long portion of former and 17 km portion of later part of road has been completed. “We are expecting to travel to the glacier by road by 2018,” said MS Dhoni, deputy commanding officer of the BRO that is constructing the road.

Dhoni said the main portion of the road between Rilkot and Lolam village is hard rock due to which the construction work has been proceeding at a slow pace. “We have to construct some vital bridges on this portion before this road gets viable for the vehicle transportation,” he said.

The local people are upbeat on the progress of this road construction as they see big jump in trekking tourism in days after the motor road gets constructed. “Besides making reach of defense forces easy at the border, the road will also boost the tourism potential in the Milam area and promote the migrated locals to come to their villages,” said Pooran Pandey, a hotelier in Munsiyari town.

At present, the trekkers have to cross 13 villages en route in five camps from Munsiyari town base camp to reach the Milam glacier. The trekking is organised by KMVN and other agencies during summer and autumn months every year. “While the locals reach Milam in three days time the trekkers take five days time to reach the world fame glacier of Milam at present,” said the hotelier at Munsiyari.