MAY 07: In a strategic move to boost tourism in the Jammu region, a joint team comprising officers from the Tourism, Revenue, PWD, and Forest Departments conducted a site inspection at Aithem, near Surinsar Lake, to evaluate its suitability for developing the first-ever Adventure Hub in Jammu.
The inspection comes in alignment with directives issued by the Chief Minister and regular reviews conducted by Chief Secretary Atul Duloo to accelerate tourism infrastructure growth in the province.
The team was headed by Aijaz Qaiser, Joint Director Tourism, Jammu, and included key officials like Savita Chauhan, Deputy Director Tourism, and Jamal Din, AEE PWD, among others.
The site, already recommended by experts from the Indian Institute of Mountaineering & Skiing, Gulmarg, is deemed highly suitable for paragliding. During the visit, the officials assessed its potential not only for paragliding but also for zip-lining, paramotoring, and other recreational tourism activities.
To ensure holistic and environmentally sustainable development, Commissioner Secretary Tourism, Yasha Mudgal, emphasized involving all relevant departments and stakeholders during the planning and execution phases. The goal is to ensure that all infrastructure development complements the natural terrain and adheres to eco-friendly norms.
The planned adventure hub will serve as a hub for nature lovers, star gazers, bird watchers, and adventure seekers. It will feature modern amenities such as eateries, public restrooms, sunrise and sunset viewpoints, and dedicated platforms for yoga and meditation.
As part of capacity building, the Tourism Department had earlier trained 23 youth in paragliding (P1, P2, P3 levels) in collaboration with NIMAS, Seppa, Arunachal Pradesh. To further enhance their skills, Director Tourism Vikas Gupta has approached the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports, Manali, to offer them advanced training (P4 & SIB), enabling their certification as tandem pilots.
During the site visit, trained paragliders conducted test flights to evaluate real-time wind speed, direction, and take-off gradients. Their input on safety measures and infrastructure enhancements was also recorded for planning purposes.
The initiative is a significant step towards placing Jammu on the national adventure tourism map, promising both economic growth and sustainable development.
