Andhra Pradesh: Adventure sports to give fillip to tourism

Vijayawada: The Academy of Adventure Sports (AAS) has submitted its Detailed Study Paper (DSP) to the State government over the proposed hubs to be set up at three places — Kondapally (Kethana konda), Krishna District (which already has existing infrastructure), Gandikota (of Kadapa district) and Thatipudi (a reservoir of the Vizianagaram district). The academy will provide technical expertise in adventure sports and activities, the required technical equipment for such activities, exploring locations, promoting them and tourism activities. Also, bringing in new investors and creating business opportunities in the state and concentrating on generating employment in the field of adventure, by promoting tourism.

“The tourism department is now working on the detailed study paper and will shortly make a decision,” says Mr Mukhesh Kumar Meena, the director general of APTCHB (AP Tourism, Culture and Heritage Board), and the principal secretary of Tourism. Mr Meena is coordinating with other states and countries, in matters related to tourism, as the chairman of the APTA (AP Tourism Authority). The AAS has mentioned about the Terrestrial Activities (Land based) —  Rock Climbing, Mountaine-ering, Trekking,  Navigation Skills – Day and Night  Map reading,  River crossing,  Nature awareness and wilderness camps, camping etc. In  Aero Sport activities (Air Based) —  Para Sailing,  Para Gliding,  Para motor flying,  Powered flying, Hot Air ballooning are the main disciplines. In Aqua Sport activities (Water based) —  Kayaking,  Canoeing,  Wind surfing,  Sailing expeditions, Rafting, Exploring cana-ls,  Water skiing are foremost among the sports.

The state, with its unique geographical features, has every kind of terrain for adventure activities on land, water and sky, the AAS has mentioned and adds that it offers unparalleled opportunities for promoting adventure sports and activities with natural destinations like national parks, unexplored forts and historical locations, waterfalls, lakes and hills. As adventure activities are entirely different from other sports and to organise them needs coordination from various departments and specialised skills among those who train and take up the activities  safely. In this regard it is proposed to establish the AAS to promote adventure tourism and encourage youth to participate in  adventure activities, Mr Mukhesh Kumar Meena said.

The academy aims to reach all sections of the population and inculcate a spirit of adventure. The AAS will identify areas of operation throughout the state in all the districts. Sub-centers for various specializations like camping, survival, rock climbing, aero and water sports will be planned at remote corners of the state to attract local youth. To pursue, promote, encourage and organize adventure activities (including terrestrial, aqua and aero) and execute schemes and projects related to adventure, like camp sites, water-based activity centers, flying centers.

“One can set up one’s  own adventure sports centre offering services and imparting training in your area of specialization. One can even work as an instructor to teach students in institutes,” Mr. Mukhesh Kumar Meena explained.