International Mountain Day:Seminar, mountain biking, sport climbing organized

Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Dec 11: The International Mountain Day- 2020 was observed with great fervor by the adventure lovers in Kashmir with the main function organized by the Directorate of Tourism, Kashmir at TRC, Srinagar.
Hundreds of Adventure lovers, boys and girls participated in the Seminar organized by the Directorate of Tourism Kashmir at TRC Hall, Srinagar. During the seminar, various short films were screened to showcase the potential of adventure tourism in the valley.
Aparna Kumar (IPS), who is an IPS officer of 2002 batch of UP cadre, was the chief guest on the occasion.
Aparna said Kashmir is blessed with majestic mountains which makes it one of the top destinations for mountain based adventure activities.
She also spoke about her journey with mountaineering. “A strong resolve, focus and commitment is needed to achieve the unthinkable and keep on going forward despite failures to reach your goals”.
Kumar said she would also promote Kashmir’s adventure among countrymen and urge them to visit Kashmir for experiencing mountain like here.
Speaking on the occasion, Director Tourism, Nisar Ahmad Wani highlighted the Mountain Biodiversity of Kashmir and the various forms of Tourism activities associated with Mountains.
He said the department has been conducting various mountain based sports and nature activities to promote adventure sports among local youth. He said besides other tourism products, adventure tourism in Kashmir has immense potential for which department has been promoting it outside JK through print and electronic media, social media besides participating in travel trade meets.
Director Industries and Commerce, Kashmir and President JKMHC Mehmood Ahmad Shah also highlighted mountain biodiversity the Valley is blessed with besides outlining JK Mountaineering and Hiking Activities.
Prof Dr. Kundangar, Dr. Mehreen Khalil, President ATOAK, Rauf Tramboo and Coloumnist Arjumand Hussain Talib also spoke on the occasion and highlighted importance of preserving mountain biodiversity.
Directorate of Tourism, Kashmir also conferred posthumously, Lifetime Achievement Award, to Late Mohammad Ashraf Batkoo in recognition of his outstanding contribution in promoting mountaineering and adventure tourism in Jammu & Kashmir.
During the function, the award of excellence was, posthumously, presented to Late Fhzal Fayaz Wani for promoting Extreme Mountain Biking in Jammu and Kashmir and Late Bashir Ahmad Damna for promoting adventure sports, especially Mountain Biking and Cycling in Jammu and Kashmir.