Excelsior Correspondent
Jammu, Sept 27: Under the guidance of Dr Ashish Chandra Verma, Additional Chief Secretary Tourism Department, J&K, the Directorate of Tourism, Jammu celebrated World Tourism Day- 2025 at the scenic Mansar Lake, in line with this year’s global theme, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.”
The event brought together government officials, stakeholders and local communities to highlight the importance of responsible and sustainable tourism.
The celebrations commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by MLA Udhampur East, RS Pathania, in the presence of senior officials including Devinder Singh Katoch (CEO, Surinsar Mansar Development Authority), Aijaz Qaisar (Joint Director Tourism, Jammu), Savita Chauhan (Deputy Director Tourism), Mamta Sharma (Deputy Director Tourism), and Riyaz Ahmad (General Manager, JKTDC).
In his welcome address, Joint Director Tourism Jammu, Aijaz Qaisar, while highlighting the significance of Mansar Lake, a designated Ramsar site, underscored its unique ecological and cultural importance, noting that it supports diverse flora and fauna and serves as a vital habitat for migratory birds. He urged visitors and stakeholders to adopt responsible practices by reducing disposable waste, supporting local vendors providing handmade and eco-friendly products, and safeguarding both the environment and local livelihoods.
He emphasized that, under the guidance of Dr. Vikas Gupta, Director Tourism Jammu, the Directorate is actively promoting sustainable tourism initiatives across the Jammu division.
Speaking on the occasion, Pathania commended the Tourism Department for organizing the event at Mansar. He called upon stakeholders and visitors to adopt eco-friendly tourism practices, minimize waste, and conserve natural resources. He reiterated that Mansar’s recognition as a Ramsar site places a shared responsibility on all to preserve its ecological balance for future generations.
Addressing the gathering, CEO SMDA, Devinder Singh Katoch, outlined ongoing efforts to safeguard Mansar Lake, including regular clean-up drives, eco-friendly infrastructure development, and community engagement programmes aimed at conserving its biodiversity.
The celebrations featured a vibrant line-up of activities including a dance performance by ‘Feel the Beat Band,’ Plantation drive, eco-walk, boat rally, live musical performances by local artists and painting and slogan-writing competitions.
To mark “World Tourism Day”, the Directorate of Tourism Jammu, in collaboration with District Administration Reasi, organised a Heritage Walk at Katra, today.
The walk commenced from Fountain Chowk, Katra and passed through the old bazar, Chinta Mani Temple, Old Darshani Deodi and culminated at the Bhumika Temple situated on the traditional Yatra route.
Earlier, Sub Divisional Magistrate Piyush Dhotra flagged off the Walk, comprising school children, representatives of Hotel & Travel Trade Association, market associations and local residents.
Meanwhile, in a vibrant display of community and environmental stewardship, Patnitop Development Authority celebrated World Tourism Day today with a series of events.
The events included an Eco walk, a painting competition, a sanitation drive, and a plantation drive, all designed to foster a greater appreciation for the region’s natural beauty and promote sustainable practices.
Chief Executive Officer, Patnitop Development Authority V K Manyal along with SDM Chenani and Tehsildar Chenani and Accounts Officer, PDA officially flagged off the Eco Walk event of World Tourism Day. The presence of key officials from the local administration underscored the importance of the collaborative partnership between the PDA and the District Administration Udhampur in promoting sustainable tourism.
CEO spoke about the significance of the event. He provided a detailed overview of the day’s activities and underscored the critical role that sustainable tourism plays in the long-term prosperity of the region. He emphasized that the “Tourism & Sustainable Transformation” theme is particularly relevant to Patnitop, as it calls for a collective effort to preserve its pristine environment for future generations.
Manyal extended his gratitude to Saloni Rai, Deputy Commissioner Udhampur, and Vikas Gupta, Director Tourism Jammu, for their crucial support in making the celebration a resounding success.
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