SNDT NSS Volunteers' trek to Karnala.



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MASA Volunteers instructing students about trekking efficiently and safely.

MASA Volunteers and SNDT students posing for a photograph

Students gathering information about wildlife from Wild-life exhibition at base of Karnala Fort

Recharged and refreshed girls on the way back after a trilling trek of Karnala Fort.

Prabal-veer Competition & Prize distribution.

Prabalgad

A group of adventure-buffs, comprising of 17 boys and 5 girls, met up on 7th Jan 2007 at Thakurwadi village, about 12 kms from Panvel. The group had decided to climb the formidable Prabalgad pinnacle, nestling at about 2300 feet above sea level and then traverse through a ridge connecting the peak to the plateau of Irshalgad (around 1500 feet above sea level). Following this, they planned to descend to the village on the other side of the peak.

The group planned to achieve this feat in a record time of six hours and started off at 7 am. The first to reach the Prabalgad apex wins the coveted 'Prabalveer' title. The main idea of organisers was to bring the people closer to hills and to the nature by promoting the adventure in them. Most of the participants, who came from as far as Pune, Bhandup, Kalwe and Panvel were experienced people, while many of the locals were first-timers.


The group sucessfully managed to complete their trek in the specified time period. Prashant Bhosle (21), a participant from Kalwa, surprised everyone by reaching the tip of the 'Prabal' first and bagged the 'Prabalveer' title. "I reached the peak at about 9.30am. I have done a lot of trekking and so I managed to reach on time. My experience helped me," he explained.

Prashant Bhosle (left), Rishi Raj (centre) & Mandar Karve (right) after the competition..

 Rishi Raj (23), a BPO employee also from Kalwa, was the first one to complete the entire trek and Hemlata Pathare was first among girls to complete the entire trek.

Hemlata Pathare

Maruti Adventure and Sports Association from Nerul along with active support from volunteers of Nisarg Mitra and Jidd had organised this competition.



Prabalgad

Prize Distribution of Prapal-veer was held on 8th Dec 2007 at Dadar by hands of Shri. Babasaheb Pawar (Asst. Commissioner, BMC) and Shri. Appa Parab.

Prabalgad Valley Crossing

In January 2007, MASA alongwith JIDD, arranged Prabalgad Valley Crossing. Prabalgad is situated at distance of just 20 kms from Panvel and hence it is easily accessible to Mumbaikars. As can be seen from above image, the specialty of Prabalgad is, it has a "V" shape small valley which is about 800 feet deep and 600 feet wide. MASA offered an opportunity for adventure seekers to cross this valley while safely hooked to a high tension rope and move forward with help of gravity. All arrangements of event were done by valley crossing expert Mr. Ajay Gadgil who ensured that everything is done with 100% safety. This exciting experience was offered to participants at a very reasonable rate of Rs. 600 which included overnight stay, 3 meals and valley crossing experience..

About Prabalgad: Prabalgad, according to the organisers, is steeped in history. "It dates back to emperor Shivaji's times and has several high points to its trek," said one of the organisers. The fort houses a 'Ganesh Temple', a lake and a water-tank. The most striking part of the place is its structure denoting the architecture typical of Shivaji's forts. However, unlike his other forts this one is maede of the lime-masoned pink porous 'Zambha' rock, largely available in the Konkan belt. The place is riddled with several man-made caves, which served as watchtowers to the emperor's sentinels.

Volunteers setting up Base camp for overnight stay.

Valley Crossing

Other end of valley crossing

View of Base camp from top.

Participants enjoying Camp fire

Celebration of Republic Day at Base Camp.

More Images of Valley Crossing at http://picasaweb.google.com/Abhijit82/Prabalgad#5026533320896540594.