Shimla, Jul 30 (IANS): Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Monday flagged off an Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) mountain expedition here that will scale the Manirang Peak.

The Northern Frontier level Mountaineering Expedition team will conquer the peak, located at a height of 20,630 feet in Lahaul-Spiti district, in 40 days.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister expressed happiness that the ITBP was also participating in social activities like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

This mountaineering expedition would go a long way in carrying the message of environmental awareness and cleanliness in a big way, he said.

He appreciated the rescue operations conducted recently by the ITBP in Kinnaur district in which many lives were saved.

Thakur lauded the role of ITBP for protection of Indo-China border along the Himalayas and also working towards the upliftment of local border population.

He said the force has been playing a vital role during natural calamities. As many as 53 medical camps were organised by the ITBP in the state this year.