JAMMU: The Directorate of Tourism today conducted a successful paragliding trial here at village Aitham on Bajalta- Surinsar road. Paragliding activity around 19 kms away from Jammu city, could give a major boost to adventure tourism. The landing zone is around 15 kms from Jammu city and affords soft landing on the sprawling sand bed of Sardhan stream.
Sunil Kumar, Tandem paragliding pilot took the maiden paragliding flight along with Sunil Kumar Rana, a member of Paragliding Association of India. Dr. Parikshit Sharma, ATO Publicity and Technical Adventure instructors Amarpal Singh and Rakesh Koul did the initial survey and supervised the trial for the Directorate of Tourism, Jammu.
As per the experts, the duration of glide was four minutes in ideal conditions and the take-off point is easily accessible by road and involves a short trek of only 250 metres to the hillock, through a forest path. As per the department, once the requisite NOC and permission are received, regular paragliding activities will commence through registered Adventure Tour Operators.
With the approval for construction of an artificial climbing wall at Surinsar park and paragliding activities, the adventure tourism in Surinsar area falling under Surinsar Mansar Development Authority will receive a major boost.