The first edition of the 7-day adventure training course conducted by the JK Tourism Department, in collaboration with Bhaderwah Development Authority (BDA) and Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering and Winter Sports (JIM WS), concluded here on Monday with a valedictory function.
100 adventure enthusiasts, including 70 from J&K and 30 from other parts of the country, participated in the week-long adventure training course and learned the basic nuances of Zip-wire, Rock Climbing, Mountaineering, River crossing, Trekking and Skiing from the trainers of national repute.
The course, which was aimed to promote adventure and winter tourism, besides train locals in rescue activities during natural calamities, especially snow storms, avalanches and flood, concluded here on Monday.
The closing ceremony, in which trainees, officials of JKTD, BDA, JIM, civil administration, police, army, judiciary and civil dignitaries participated, was held at the Tourist Resort in Teligarh.
The valedictory function started with the lighting of traditional lamps, followed by a musical bonanza and felicitation of participants, officers from different departments and media representatives for rendering their support in making the event a success.
“The feedback we have received so far from the travel bloggers and media is very encouraging, especially skiing at Padri meadow generated a lot of buzz and the snow filled alps not only caught the fancy of the participants but we have been receiving large number of inquiries regarding the place,” said Shazia Ji Rehman, Assistant Director Tourism.
“I have trekked around the length and breadth of North-India and North Eastern states, but Bhaderwah is a totally different place as it provides a complete package for adventure lovers and leisure tourists simultaneously. I hope this initiative will go a long way in attracting adventure enthusiasts and landscape tourists,” said Kanchan, a trekker from Rajasthan.
“Although I have not written a proper blog about this place yet, but I just uploaded a few pictures and videos, which has already generated a lot of curiosity among our followers. My experience and gut feeling indicates that soon this place is going to become an international destination for adventure lovers,” said Vidur Pandit, a renowned travel blogger from ‘Travel My Nation’.
The programme was conducted by educationist Arif Rana, while CEO BDA R P Khajuria expressed his gratitude and presented the vote of thanks.
Prominent among those who were present during the function include ASP Rajinder Singh, 2IC 4RR, Principal GDC Doda Dr Shafqat Rafiqui, SDPO Brijesh Sharma, Tehsildar Masood Ahmed and SHO Muneer Khan.