Adventure sports strengthen rural economy, says minister

Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh today said tourism activities like adventure sports help strengthen the rural economy.

The programme was organised on the third day of the Shimla Flying Festival and Hospitality Expo 2024 at Junga, near here. The Great Khali, Dalip Singh Rana, also attended the function as a special guest.

Addressing the gathering, the minister said there are immense possibilities of paragliding all across the state. “Today 40 participants from across the country are participating and gradually large number of participants from abroad will also participate in the expo as it gets more popular,” he said.

Anirudh said activities like aero sports will help promote adventure tourism in a big way and will help create the much-needed employment opportunities for the local youth. Tourism activities also strengthen the local economy in many indirect ways, he added. With the introduction of paragliding in Shimla, tourists will also get opportunities to participate in adventure sports, he added and the stay of tourists would become longer, giving benefit to tourism stakeholders.

Khali said that the young generation should stay away from drugs and focus on sports and other activities to remain engaged. “I have a lot of affection for Shimla as my struggle started from here. Now the beginning of adventure sports like paragliding will offer people many opportunities,” he said. About 40 pilots from India and Nepal took part in the festival.