Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 18: Directorate of Tourism, Jammu organized paragliding trials in collaboration with Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering, (IISM) Gulmarg at various locations of Jammu Division viz Aithem, Dhanwa Saloon, Mokhri, Bhaderwah, Patnitop, Kishtwar and Sanasar.
The endeavor is the first of its kind towards organizing paragliding pilot courses in Jammu region. The team was sent by Department of Tourism to explore the possibility of the best paragliding sites suitable for providing P3 and P4 training courses to local youth of J&K.
Vivekanand Rai, Director Tourism, Jammu briefed the media that the trial runs at various locations like 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 by the department. The trials are also important with respect to ensuring safety of the Adventure Enthusiasts.
Sunaina Mehta, Joint Director Tourism said that despite successful paragliding trials at various locations of Jammu Division, the potential of Paragliding has not been harnessed in the region due to lack of skilled manpower as mandated by Adventure Tourism Guidelines.
Although this novel dimension of adventure tourism has been explored, yet the constructive steps needs to be taken to make this activity more secure as mandated by the Government. 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.
The Department of Tourism J&K will shortly organize professional (P1, P2, & P3) courses for local youth in the month of December in order to develop the Region as Adventure Hub for tourists and to generate livelihood as well as employment in 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 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.
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