STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Directorate of Tourism Jammu, in collaboration with Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering, (IISM) Gulmarg, organized a series of paragliding trials across Jammu Division from 14th November to 18th November, 2022.
The paragliding trials were conducted at Aithem, Dhanwa Saloon, Mokhri, Bhaderwah, Patnitop, Kishtwar and Sanasar.
The endeavor was the first of its kind towards organizing paragliding pilot courses in the Jammu region. The team was sent by the Department of Tourism J&K to explore the best paragliding sites suitable for providing P3 and P4 training courses to local youth of J&K.
Vivekanand Rai, Director Tourism, Jammu on Friday briefed the media that the trial runs at Aithem, Dhanwa Saloon, Bhaderwah, Patnitop etc. were successful and soon the people of Jammu Division would see gliders flying in the sky.
“However, the teams of professional pilots have suggested remedial measures at some sites which shall be taken care of by the Department. The said trials are also important with respect to ensuring safety of the Adventure Enthusiasts” he added.
Joint Director Tourism, Sunaina Mehta, said that even after conducting successful paragliding trials at these locations, the full potential of Paragliding has not been harnessed in the Jammu region due to lack of skilled manpower as mandated by Adventure Tourism Guidelines. “Although this novel dimension of adventure tourism has been explored, constructive steps need to be taken to make this activity more secure as mandated by the Government,” she added. It will be a scintillating and life time experience for the tourists, especially the adventure enthusiasts to fly in the Jammu skies while exploring and enjoying various offbeat destinations here, she maintained further.
The Department of Tourism J&K shall shortly organize professional (P1, P2, & P3) courses for local youth in the month of December to develop the Region as Adventure Hub for tourists and to generate livelihood as well as employment in the Tourism Sector. The P3 trained professionals shall thereafter be given license for P4, subject to certain conditions which include minimum stipulated flying hours. This unique venture by the Department shall open a new chapter of adventure tourism with special focus on paragliding in Jammu region. The courses shall be sponsored by the Department as part of the capacity building measures for making adventure tourism a sustainable activity.