Kolkata: The 410-kilometre riverine expedition ‘Hooghly Sankalp – MENU 2026’, which began from Farakka, concluded successfully at Kolkata’s iconic Man o’ War Jetty on Thursday.
The expedition, involving 60 Naval NCC cadets, marked its culmination with a grand flagging-in ceremony in Kolkata. The cadets arrived at the jetty accompanied by a vessel of the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and dedicated safety boats. They were welcomed by senior dignitaries, families and well-wishers.
The expedition was led by Expedition Commander Cdr Sanjib Sharan, with Safety Officer Cdr Mrinmoy Ghosh overseeing safety arrangements throughout the journey.
Organised with the aim of promoting civil-military synergy, youth empowerment and leadership, ‘Hooghly Sankalp’ went beyond being an adventure expedition. During the voyage, the cadets used the river journey as a platform for community outreach, environmental awareness, social advocacy and national integration.
Focus on River and Environmental Conservation
As part of the expedition’s environmental initiatives, the team conducted awareness programmes on Gangetic River Dolphin conservation and river health. Live water-quality tests were carried out, while practical demonstrations on rainwater harvesting and low-cost water purification models were also organised.
The expedition also promoted awareness about healthy lifestyles and environmental sustainability through activities focused on the benefits of millets.
Awareness Against Substance Abuse and Social Issues
The cadets spearheaded the ‘Nesha Mukti Abhiyan’ to raise awareness against substance abuse. The campaign also included initiatives on cyber safety, prevention of child marriage and HPV health awareness.
These outreach activities were aimed at engaging communities along the river and encouraging greater awareness of issues affecting public health, safety and social well-being.
Promoting National Integration
National integration formed another important component of the expedition. The cadets visited border areas and interacted with security personnel. As part of the outreach, they also tied Rakhis to security personnel, highlighting the bond between civilians and the country’s security forces.
The expedition further combined industrial and cultural learning, with visits to facilities such as NTPC as well as historical and heritage sites along the route.
Highlighting the Potential of National Waterway-1
The expedition also worked closely with IWAI to highlight the potential of National Waterway-1 for sustainable commercial transportation and inland navigation.
The successful completion of the 410-kilometre journey at Man o’ War Jetty brought the expedition to a close after a series of activities combining maritime adventure with environmental stewardship, community engagement and youth development.
‘Hooghly Sankalp – MENU 2026’ thus emerged as a comprehensive initiative bringing together maritime excellence, ecological awareness, social responsibility and youth empowerment along the Hooghly-Ganga riverine corridor.
