Shiv Kumar Padha
Lakes of India in general and that of Jammu and Kashmir in particular are not only significant geographically but have a major tourist attraction.
The 24 kms. long Wullar lake, surrounded by the mountains is one of the fresh water lakes in Asia and biggest in Jammu and Kashmir, Dal lake the exotic beauty in Srinagar and one of the beautiful lakes in India and second largest in Jammu and Kashmir, Mansar lake Surinsar, lake and the vast 88 sq. kms. crystal clear fresh water Ranjeet Sagar lake of Basohli situated amidst Shivalik hills are some of the popular and panoramic lakes of Jammu and Kashmir which are in no way less than the lakes in other parts of the world and if they are developed as per the national and international standards they have much to offer to the variety of tourists all over the country. The 88 sq.kms. vast Ranjeet Sagar lake is one of the largest fresh still water lakes of the country which has been formed as a result of ponding of the RSD. The lake situated at the threshold of Jammu and Kashmir has got ample scope for water tourism and water sports in the UT where its development can add one more feather in the cap of tourism industry of Jammu and Kashmir in future.
Taking water sports to the grass root level of far off areas of the territory there is a dire need to organize coaching camps for the youth of the UT.J&K is blessed with natural water in plain and hilly areas where several water sports activities can be organized. As such there is a huge potential available for further training in water sports. With the proper training and guidance given at the right age, J&K will have National and International paddlers in the coming time and Ranjeet Sagar lake is an ideal water front for hosting national and international water sports competitions in future. Keeping in mind the accommodating potential for all the water sports events of Kayaking, Canoeing, Dragon boat, Canoe Polo and rowing for trainings and competitions the UT Government has sanctioned one Water Sports center at Basohli where construction of the center is going on war footing. LG Manoj Sinha laid the foundation stone of the center some time back.Due to its location it will facilitat large number of local population to take water sports and excel at the national and international level. While on one hand the center will promote water sports specially Rowing and all events in Kyaking and Canoeing which has high medal winning capacity, on the other hand it will promote tourism and heritage handicraft as Basohli will come on the national and international map. The Sports center will facilitate players for high performance coaching at all levels. The water sports center will attract youth towards the water sports and keep them away from drug addiction.
As per the study the water sports center will provide facilities like.
* Change room for boys and girls, gymnasium hall, VIP Lounge, Medical center, food court etc. withbuilt up area of 3200 Sft.
* A buildingconsisting of pavilion on first floor based on Atal Setu Theme.
* Boat shed of 2800 Sft.
* Managers room of built up area 570 Sft.
The Tourism Department of the UT in collaboration with the UT council of water sports celebrated tourism Iconic celebrations wef 24 Oct. to 26 Oct. 2021 where the participants enthralled the audiences and viewers with their set of skills has kindled the flame of development of water sports in their town.
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