JAMMU, Mar 16: Directorate of Tourism, Jammu organized 4th National White Water River Rafting Championship at Baradari, Reasi on Chenab River from 15th to 17th March, 2019 which was inaugurated by Rohit Kansal, Principal Secretary Planning, Development and Monitoring Department (Addl. Charge of Administrative Secretary, Hospitality & Protocol, Estates Department and Civil Aviation in presence of Indu Kanwal Chib, Deputy Commissioner, Reasi and O.P. Bhagat, Director Tourism, Jammu.
In order to promote Adventure Tourism in the region, this event was organized today wherein, 13 teams had registered themselves for participation viz. 3 Army teams, 2 ITBP teams, 4 local teams, 2 Jammu Adventure Sports Association (JASA) teams, 1 J&K Police team, 1 team of Directorate of Tourism, Kashmir including 2 women teams.
On 15th March, 2019, all the participants/Teams registered themselves and put their boats into river for getting themselves acclimatized with cold Chenab water and prepare well for the challenge.
Today on 16th March, 2019, Marathon Race was conducted on a stretch of 12 KMs. from Baradari, Reasi to Dera Baba Banda Bahadur. The event culminated with bonfire and musical evening at TRC, Baradari, Reasi. The purpose of organizing this event was to promote Adventure Tourism in District Reasi which actually have natural beautiful scenic places and landscapes providing lot of opportunities for such activities. This, in addition to providing employment opportunities for unemployed youth associated directly or indirectly with these activities, would go a long way in channelizing youth energy to make them good citizen and earn their livelihood with dignity besides inviting the fellow beings to toe their lines in future.
Directorate of Tourism, Jammu is also receiving number of applications from unemployed youths are coming forward to start similar Adventure activities like Paragliding, Zorbing, Zip-lining, Trekking, Hiking and other activities in the region. Organizing of such activities at frequent intervals would give due publicity to the other tourist resorts in the vicinity like Bhimgarh Fort; Reasi, Dera Baba Banda Bahadur; Siarh Baba and Shiv Khori in District Reasi attracting more tourists amongst those visiting Mata Vaishnodeviji Shrine and Shiv Khori Shrine round the year. Director Tourism, Jammu highly appreciated the efforts made and interest shown by Deputy Commissioner, Reasi in making this event a grand success.
The officers present on the occasion were Ansuya Jamwal, Dy. Director Tourism, Umesh Shan, Asstt. Director Tourism, Katra and officials from the Directorate of Tourism, Jammu.