Conduct survey to tap adventure sports potential: Thongdok
ITANAGAR, Nov 22: A seminar on the ‘prospects and problems of adventure sports in Arunachal Pradesh’ was organized at the legislative assembly hall here by the youth affairs directorate on Thursday.
Addressing the participants, Speaker TN Thongdok said proper survey should be conducted to tap the adventure sports potential of the state.
“Every region of the state is unique and offers different kinds of challenges to adventure sports lovers. We have snow-clad mountains, tropical rainforests and majestic rivers. The stakeholders should conduct a proper survey and, based on it, inform tourists about what can they expect in the state,” he said.
Thongdok called for better synchronization between the youth affairs directorate and the tourism department, saying promotion of adventure sports should be done in tandem with promotion of tourism.
“Both the departments should be complementary to each other,” he said.
Sports & Youth Affairs Secretary Dani Salu highlighted the steps initiated by the state government to tap the potential of the state’s youths. Underscoring the potential of adventure sports in the state, he said the government is formulating guidelines for adventure sports.
Resource persons presented papers during the technical session, which was followed by an interactive session.
Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) vice-president SS Sandhu spoke on empowering youths through adventure sports and adventure tourism in Arunachal Pradesh.
“Adventure sports help to mould personalities. Also, they provide employment opportunities to the youths. Besides the blessing of nature, the cultures and traditions of various tribes of Arunachal themselves are big attractions for the tourists,” said Sandhu.
However, he cautioned against excessive exposure of the state.
“Sudden rush of visitors can cause damage to the ecology of the state. Excessive tourism has its negative impact and should be avoided,” he said.
Research scholar from Norway, Anushree, spoke about how outdoor (adventure) sports bring empowerment in the society.
Sharing her experience of living in Oslo and in Arunachal, she said both Norway and Arunachal are blessed with natural beauty. She spoke about how Norway has used nature to promote adventure activities, and said the same could be replicated in Arunachal.
IMF NE zone chairman KN Damo and NIMAS deputy director Captain Sourabh also spoke.
Sports Authority of Arunachal Chairman Bamang Tago, Youth Affairs Director DK Dinglow, Sports Director Tadar Appa and Youth Affairs Joint Director Ramesh Linggi were also present on the occasion.
