UDHAMPUR, SEPTEMBER 25: Continuing its efforts to promote the all-encompassing beauty of nature and adventure tourism potential of Patnitop Tourism Circuit, the Patnitop Development Authority kicked off 'Visit Patnitop', a new event series.
For the first event of the initiative, PDA collaborated with Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University to organise one of the most sought-after trek to the historical Shankhpal Temple.
Held on with support from the Department of Tourism J&K, District Administration Ramban and Udhampur, a group of 70 trekkers was flagged off by Thakur Sher Singh, Chief Executive Officer PDA.
The trekkers snaked their way through lush green meadows, misty environs, and nomadic settlements to reach the highest point of Shankhpal ridge almost 9383 ft high, where the centuries old temple of the local deity is situated.
For the students and faculty of SMVDU, hailing from Jammu and Kashmir, and states like Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi and Bihar, it was an opportunity to step away from their rigmarole studies, unplug from the routine and commune with the nature.
"The University has endeavoured to expose the students to the rich and natural flora and fauna of Himalayas and develop a healthy, active and enriching lifestyle," said Nagendra Singh Jamwal, Registrar SMVDU.
"As a destination with plenty to offer, we have planned a series of events under 'Visit Patnitop' to spotlight unique destinations and activities, and to drive interest and traffic to this tourism circuit," said Thakur Sher Singh but a big question on PDA is that why no actions on issuance of revised Master Plan since years, which is causing loss to Govt exchequer as permission fee/development/other taxes etc etc.
Pertinent to mention here that the PDA is implementing Master Plan of year 2000, which is open violation of rules. terms & conditions of Development Act, which on the otherside speaks of open deriliction on the part of concerned officers, needed to be acted upon.
"The Sanasar Shankhpal Trek passes through stunning trails and is a part of the world renowned trek from Pancheri - Sanasar - Patnitop - Sudh Mahadev - Mantalai.
It provides awe-inspiring views of the Middle Himalayas on one side and the Greater Himalayas on the other side," he added.
During the trek, trekkers from SMVDU and a team of PDA collected the waste from the route under the PDA initiative ‘CARRY THE TRASH BACK’.
While felicitating the participants, the CEO PDA said that trekkers, adventure enthusiasts from all over the country and abroad can make use of the Youth Hostel and a variety of hotels as per ones budget to explore the beautiful landscape of Patnitop Tourism Circuit from Sanasar to Basantgarh.
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