It is a matter of satisfaction that after a string was pulled from the Raj Bhawan, the Divisional Commissioner Jammu has to initiate some movement in the much neglected Leisure Water Sports Project in Ranjit Sagar Dam within the Bani-Basohli Development Authority (BBDA). Basholi, a historic town in Kathua district will get a major boost in recreational activities, tourism, employment and micro-level economics with the proposed facilities.
The Water sports project that was conceived decades ago could not be put on the moving track for many reasons- political and others- and the people have now become tired of announcements and rhetoric. Lack of administrative interest and faulty planning on the project were also responsible for such an inordinate delay.
Two year back some movement was visible on the project when the BBDA has sought the expression of interest (EOI) for the operation of water sports, including pedal boating, rowing, kayaking, canoeing and motor-boating, separately for the main Ranjit Sagar dam reservoir and the Plahi creek.
The operation of leisure water sports facility proposed at the Ranjit Sagar dam and the Plahi creek was to optimise the adventure tourism potential of this untouched circuit, which has the 88-sq-km freshwater Ranjit Sagar lake situated at the juncture of three states — Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh.
But later the proposal got stuck up and met the same fate as usually happens to all such development projects in Jammu and Kashmir. Under the plan, two motorboats, with a seating capacity of 10 persons (one each for the main dam and the Plahi creek), two six-seater boats, two windsurfing, six kayaks, six canoe, two speed boats (four-seater), a parasail boat, two waterskiing and two pontoon boats will be operated to attract water sports lovers from the state and other parts of the country. All boats will be of international specifications and standards.
Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Dr Raghav Langer has held discussions with concerned departments and given instructions to finalise the modalities of development of the necessary infrastructure at the Water Sport points for holding national and international competitions, besides attracting high end tourists to the picturesque surroundings of Basohli area. The identified patch of land is also directed to be transferred for building the water sports centre that would be equipped with all facilities including a gymnasium, dormitory for boys and girls, changing rooms, conference hall, auditorium, VIP Lounge, Medical Centre, Food-Court etc. The water sports activities will be held under the guidance of an international coach. The boys and girls will be trained here for national and international-level water sports events.
Thus, this time now, we are given to understand that the Administration is a bit serious as a pro-active approach with coordinated efforts of BBDA, Kathua District Administration, JK Sports Council, Tourism Department and all other allied departments are being pushed to achieve the completion of the project by adopting positive and cohesive approach.
