It takes more than adrenaline to make Girimitra Pratisthan's members happy. This group of diehard climbers and trekkers expends its energy on more than just scaling cliffs or conquering peaks. They also restore the sites they visit.

Created in 1999 in Mumbai, the group initially aspired only to explore the countryside through weekend expeditions. But that quickly changed. "We saw how decrepit and badly maintained some of the forts we visited were and how uninterested the government was. So we decided to do our bit," says marketing executive and group founder Satish Zanjad. There are now around 15 members.

PICTURE SPEAK

HANGING TOUGH: Zanjad and Kurtadkar

Restoring Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's 350 or so forts in Maharashtra has been a pet project for the group. "Some forts have been constructed on mountain tops that are difficult to scale and in many places the retreating British blew up the steps leading to the forts," explains Zanjad. The group has returned about 175 of them to pristine condition.

At Chanderi Fort, near Badlapur, the Girimitra climbers did more than just remove trash. "Rainwater had eroded the soil and the natural water tanks were clogged," recalls Zanjad. The trekkers removed the silt, weeds and overgrown trees. They also levelled an area for visitors to sit and rest, all the while trying not to alter the original construction.

Along the way, the troopers also took notes on such things as the topography, climate and soil composition of about 45 villages they passed while trekking in the Sahyadris. One of these was Kurangwadi, a remote tribal village about 21 km from Igatpuri, at the foothills of Madangadh. "The villagers had no source of income and didn't have primary medical or education facilities. They didn't even have proper roads," says Zanjad. The group adopted the village and organised a medical camp in addition to regular sanitation drives.

"We have collected enough data and information for other groups who want to improve conditions in other villages," says Zanjad, knowing they cannot help everyone themselves. "We are also planning to assist a Sampark initiative to provide free education to poor people at a village called Bhambhurde, near Dhangad."

The group's next valiant venture? Rappelling down the Duke's Nose near Khandala in December and building a road for the tribals of Kurangwadi.

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