Kishtwar, Dec 17: The River Rafting being organized by the district administration of Kishtwar in collaboration with the Indian Army here at Gulab Garh, Paddar witnessed the participation of a huge crowd of locals and government functionaries. The event was also marked by the massive participation of water sports lovers, and adventure tourists from across the district who enjoyed and were thrilled a lot during the second day.
About 200 participants took part in the rafting rally so far with all the safety measures placed in by the organizers.
Senior officers including Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Dr Devansh Yadav along with CEO JaKeGA Abhishek Sharma; SDM Paddar, Dr Rishi Sharma; ACD Kishtwar, Atul Dutt Sharma; DPO Kishtwar Sunil Bhutyal, Tehsildar Paddar Satish Kumar Rana boarded the raft to experience the thrill in the chilly rapids of river Chenab from the Gulab Garh bridge to culmination point near Tatapani link – forming over 3 km stretch.
DDC Counselor, Hari Krishan Chouhan; BDO Paddar Anjil Singh; BDO Dachhan, Ravi Kumar besides other district officers, PRIs and local youth along with sports lovers from the district and UT also participated in the raft rally with great enthusiasm and zeal.
The local participants extended gratitude to the district administration, especially DC and Indian Army, for taking this initiative for youth engagement and appealed to organize such programs at regular intervals.
The locals of Paddar welcomed and appreciated the efforts put in to boost the tourism sector in the areas which can be instrumental in doubling the income of locals. The DC said that the district administration was committed to tapping the water sports and adventure tourism potential in the district. He urged the youth to engage with such initiatives and earn their livelihood in a dignified manner. He further advised them to stay away from drug menace and other social evils.