JAMMU: In line with the Chief Minister’s directions regarding promotion of tourism infrastructure in Jammu province and periodical review by Atul Duloo, Chief Secretary, a joint team  of officers from Tourism, Revenue, PWD and Forest Departments conducted on spot visit to assess the site’s potential for development of an adventure Hub at Aithem near Surinsar lake  in Jammu district.

The team was led by Aijaz Qaiser, Joint Director Tourism, Jammu. The site has already been recommended by the experts from the Indian Institute of Mountaineering & Skiing Gulmarg for  Paragliding. The visit was intended to develop Aithem as an adventure Hub for various adventure activities besides exploring the option of recreational and leisure tourism in addition to its suitability for paragliding.

In order to speed up the planning process  and its subsequent execution, Commissioner Secretary Tourism, Yasha Mudgal,  has directed the  field officers  to take  the line  departments and stakeholders on board  during the planning phase of every project so that infrastructure blends with the natural surroundings, adhering to eco-friendly development norms.

The adventure Hub will come up as a major attraction site for the nature lovers, bird watchers, star gazers and adventure enthusiasts. The project will have state of the art facilities like eateries, public conveniences, Sunrise and Sunset  points and Yoga platform. Pertinently, yhe department of tourism has already trained a batch  of  23 paragliders in P1, P2, P3 levels in collaboration with NIMAS Training Institute, Seppa, Arunachal Pradesh.

Vikas Gupta, Director Tourism Jammu, has taken up the matter with the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports, Manali, for  imparting advance courses in paragliding (P4 &SIB) to the same set of 23 paragliders so that they can be eligible for their certification as tandem pilots.

To assess the site from a technical perspective including wind speed, wind direction and the gradient of the take-off point, the trained paragliders took-off solo test flights for the first hand experience and assessment. Their valuable insights on the infrastructure and interventions required to enhance the site’s appeal and safety were also sought.

The team also assessed the site to include Zip-line and para motoring activities alongside projects besides setting up of a state of the art paragliding project. Accompanying the Joint Director were Savita Chauhan, Deputy Director Tourism, Jammu, AEE PWD, Jamal Din and other officials.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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