Everest dream dying for Orissa mountaineer Jena

Lack of funds is threatening to ruin Orissa mountainer Ganesh Chandra Jena’s dream to scale Mount Everest later this year. He was first selected by Chandigarh based Youth Adventure and Mountaineering Association to join a 75-day-long Everest expedition programmed from March 29. But the opportunity is all set to be lost because the 36-year-old mountaineer has failed to arrange Rs 22 lakhs to meet the cost. ‘‘I approached the state government and several corporate houses but in vain. I have abandoned the hope as I see no chance of arranging the funds in a short time. I am also set to lose Rs 2.8 lakhs, which I paid in advance,’’ lamented Jena, who claims to have scaled seven major mountains, including Saser Cangri (7,672 metre) in his 16-year-old adventure sports career. However, a ray of hope still exists for the temporary fountain operator of Bhubaneswar Development Authority. He can scale Mount Everest on behalf of Nepal-based Asian Trekking & Climbing Association by paying identical fees. ‘‘So far, two kind-hearted persons have offered help of Rs 1 lakh each. I need another Rs 20 lakh by February end,’’ said Jena. If he gets the necessary sponsorship, he would become the second person from Orissa after Kalpana Das to conquer highest peak of the world.