Spotlighting picturesque Chinkah village in Reasi to boost tourism in region
STATE TIMES NEWS
REASI: Under the visionary guidance of Commissioner Secretary, Tourism Department J&K, Yasha Mudgal, the Directorate of Tourism Jammu has planned to promote the unexplored tourist destinations enroute the World’s Highest Railway Bridge which is built over the river Chenab at District Reasi.
The Jammu Tourism Directorate is actively working towards identification and promotion of tourist circuits like the Shiv-Shakti Circuit connecting Devi Pindi, Deva Mayi, Nau Deviyan, Baba Dansar, Kansi Batta Temple, Siyad Baba and Kauser Nag Devta Yatra in Reasi, along with Adventure circuits from Baradari-Dhanwa-Chinkah-Narloo in Reasi.
Continuing with the efforts towards empowering local youth with specialised skill training in adventure sports Deputy Commissioner Reasi Vishesh Pal Mahajan and, Joint Director Tourism Jammu Sunaina Sharma inaugurated the First ever “Rafting Guide Course” at Baradari Reasi. This maiden 15 days course is being organised by the Directorate of Tourism Jammu in collaboration with National Institute of Water Sports (NIWS) GOA and Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), and 14 locals from all over Jammu division are currently undergoing the rafting training course at Baradari Reasi.
The Directorate of Tourism Jammu is making concerted cohesive efforts to bolster adventure tourism in the area under the theme ‘Exploring Reasi beyond Katra’. Spearheading the promotional campaigns, the Directorate of Tourism Jammu successfully organised a mega festival at Chinkah Valley which holds immense potential not only for its natural beauty but also for adventure sports. Chinkah, Thanpal, Narlu, Kauri, Bakkal, Daggantop are amongst the hidden adventure cum scenic gems of tourism in Jammu region. The festival witnessed around 2000 visitors engaging in multitude of activities like Zipling, Land and water Zorbing, Horse Riding, ATV rides, Camping, Volleyball match, painting and much more including display of local handicraft products, ethnic food, Dogri songs and dance among other wonderful artistic displays by talented local youth.
Speaking on the occasion of inauguration of the Rafting Course, Deputy Commissioner Reasi, Sh. Vishesh Pal Mahajan underscored that the with the collaborative efforts of the Directorate of Tourism,Tourism will substantially enhance in the region. He highlighted the efforts to promote Chinkah and the Chenab Rail Bridge,world’s highest rail bridge and other prominent destinations of Reasi.He further added that the mega cultural and recreational event at Chinkah on World Environment Day would significantly energize the region. He lauded the efforts of Directorate of Tourism Jammu for its initiatives in organizing skill development courses for local youth and emphasized the crucial role of local youth and stakeholders in developing the unexplored tourist destinations.
Addressing the media, Sunaina Sharma, Joint Director Tourism Jammu, applauded the proactive engagement of local stakeholders in advocating for the region’s tourism potential. She underscored the unwavering commitment towards promotion of tourist spots enroute Chenab Rail Bridge, along with promotion of local culture, ethnic food and handicrafts through special tourism outlets like Dogra Haat at TRC Kheral and Duggardhani at TRC Katra. She also invited the local youth to register their rural homes as homestay under the J&K Registration of Tourist Trade Act and be the local ambassadors of tourism through promotion of local culture, natural beauty, ecological diversity, religious, spiritual and adventure tourism. She reiterated the Directorate’s unwavering commitment to spotlighting Chinkah and attracting increased footfall to the area.
Through collaborative efforts and sustained advocacy, Chinkah, Thanpal, Kauri and Bakkal are poised to emerge as year-round destinations, promising visitors an immersive experience amidst natural splendor, engineering marvel and vibrant culture. AD Tourism Katra, Ms. Ambika Bali along with tourism officials and district officers were also present on the occasion.