Tourism Directorate organises Paragliding event

Director Tourism Jammu, Vivekanand Rai flagging off Paragliding event at Aithem, Surinsar on Saturday.
Director Tourism Jammu, Vivekanand Rai flagging off Paragliding event at Aithem, Surinsar on Saturday.

Excelsior Sports Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 11: Directorate of Tourism, Jammu, in collaboration with Office of CEO, Surinsar- Mansar Tourism Development Authority, District Administration Jammu and High-Altitude Adventure School OPC Pvt Ltd, organized Paragliding event at Aithem to mark the International Mountain Day, here today.
The event was flagged off by Director Tourism, Jammu Vivekanand Rai as a visitor whereas Dinesh took the maiden ride from the designated point.
While addressing the media at the take off point Director Tourism said that such Adventure activities will considerably give a flip to tourism in the region and also open the employment opportunities for the local youth. He said that the Department has planned to hold capacity building training for youth in the tourism related trades.
Aithem is 20 KM from Jammu located on Jammu Surinsar Road. The take off point involves a short trek of nearly 250 mtrs to the hilltop. The landing point of the sand bed of Sardan Stream is reached after a 4 minute glide.
About 50 participants (local youth/ YouTube influencers/ Bloggers/ Media persons) took the Joy rides.
The first Joy ride was taken by Director Tourism, Jammu which uplifted the spirits of all the participants.
Speaking at the landing point, Naresh Kumar, Deputy Director Tourism, Publicity, Jammu said that the department is going to train local youth so that they adopt this activity.
Also present on the occasion were Natasha Kalsotra, Joint Director Tourism Jammu; Sunil Raina, Director High Altitude Adventure School OPC. Ltd and other officers/officials of Tourism Department.