JAMMU, MAY 6: In line with the Chief Minister’s vision to bolster tourism infrastructure across Jammu province, and under the regular review of Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, a joint team of senior officials from the Tourism, Revenue, PWD, and Forest departments conducted a comprehensive site visit to Aithem, near the picturesque Surinsar Lake, to assess its potential for Jammu’s first-ever Adventure Hub.
The team, led by Aijaz Qaiser, Joint Director Tourism, Jammu, explored the site’s natural features and suitability for multiple adventure tourism activities. Experts from the Indian Institute of Mountaineering and Skiing, Gulmarg, have already recommended the location for paragliding, highlighting its ideal wind and terrain conditions.
The proposed Adventure Hub is envisioned as a holistic destination for nature lovers, bird watchers, star gazers, and thrill-seekers, blending high-adrenaline sports with eco-tourism and wellness experiences. Plans include paragliding, zip-lining, paramotoring, yoga platforms, sunrise/sunset points, eco-friendly eateries, and public conveniences—all designed to enhance visitor experience while preserving the environment.
Commissioner Secretary Tourism, Yasha Mudgal, has emphasized the importance of involving all line departments and local stakeholders during the planning phase to ensure sustainable and context-sensitive infrastructure development.
In preparation, the Tourism Department has already trained 23 youth in P1–P3 level paragliding, in collaboration with NIMAS, Seppa (Arunachal Pradesh). The department, under Director Tourism Jammu, Vikas Gupta, is now coordinating with the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports, Manali, to facilitate advanced paragliding certification (P4 & SIV) for the same batch, paving the way for them to become certified tandem pilots.
As part of the technical assessment, solo test flights were conducted by the trained paragliders to analyze wind dynamics, flight gradients, and take-off safety. Their feedback will be pivotal in shaping the upcoming infrastructure.
Also part of the field team were Savita Chauhan, Deputy Director Tourism, Jammu; Jamal Din, AEE PWD; and officials from other key departments.
With Aithem poised to become a new beacon for adventure tourism in Jammu, the initiative promises to elevate the region’s tourism profile while creating livelihood opportunities and promoting sustainable travel.
