Jora inaugurates Rock Climbing Wall at Nowgam

Excelsior Sports Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Sept 5: As a part of the efforts of the State Government to promote tourism related activities in the State, the Minister for Tourism and Culture Nawang Rigzin Jora on Wednesday launched first ever artificial Rock Climbing activity at Tourist Reception Centre, Nowgam, here.
The International Standard Rock Climbing Wall has been constructed at a cost of Rs.95 lakh. The Rock Climbing Wall is 12 meter in height with 3 faces for various types of events i.e. bouldering, speed and lead.
Minister of State for Tourism and Culture, Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA, Chadoora, Javid Mustafa Mir, Director Tourism, Talat Parvaiz and other concerned Officers and representatives of Hoteliers and Travel Agencies were present on the occasion.
The Minister after inaugurating the first ever rock climbing wall has said that this step will boost adventure tourism related activities and can help to promote this competitive sport. He said that in order to inculcate the spirit of adventure sports spirit in the young minds, the tourism department in collaboration with Department of Youth Services and Sports will conduct seven days coaching camp for the young boys and girls of the State.
The Minister further said that to give further fillip to the sports, the 18th North Zone Sports climbing championship on the said Wall is being held from Sept 9 to Sept 14,2012 in collaboration with Indian Mountaineering Foundation New Delhi, the apex body of Sports climbing in the Country. He said about 170 participants from all Northern States are expected to participate in this Championship, for which necessary arrangements have been made by the department.
Nasir Aslam Wani, while appreciating the efforts of tourism department said that artificial Rock Climbing project has been completed in a time bound manner and said that there is need to create more infrastructure for the adventure tourism at par with national and international level. He said government is committed to provide sports adventure facilities in the State. He said facilities for water sports are also being provided on priority and such kind of project has also been taken up at Mansbal.
MLA, Chadura, Javid Mustafa Mir, also spoke on the occasion and appreciated the tourism department for promoting adventure tourism and said such steps will boost the economy of the State.