Una, January 23: The Androli area, situated near Govind Sagar Lake in Bangana tehsil of Una district, is rapidly emerging as a new center for adventure tourism and water sports activities. Deputy Commissioner Una, Jatin Lal, said that in line with the guidance and instructions of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, concrete steps have been taken in a planned manner to promote adventure tourism in Govind Sagar Lake.
He informed that an agreement has been signed with Mayfield Adventures company through the Kutlehar Tourism Development Society for the operation of water sports. The company has started providing water sports facilities for tourists and locals, which has given a real boost to tourism activities in the area.
The Deputy Commissioner said that the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of Devbhoomi Himachal have always attracted tourists. Now, with the continuous efforts of the state government, new possibilities are rapidly developing in the field of adventure sports and tourism.
**A wonderful blend of natural beauty and adventure**
The captivating beauty of Govind Sagar Lake, surrounded by mountains, and the new water tourism activities have started giving the Androli area a distinct identity on the tourism map. Various water sports activities are available here, including boating, kayaking, jet skiing, ATV rides, hot air balloon rides, speed boats, and dragon rides, providing tourists with a new and exciting experience.
The Deputy Commissioner informed that in the future, activities such as banana-bumper rides, water jetovators, shikaras, 100+ seater cruises, zip lining, paramotoring, floating jetties, and paragliding will also be available. He said that this initiative will not only give a new dimension to tourism but will also create employment and business opportunities for local youth.
**Deputy Commissioner himself experienced the thrill, appeals to families to visit**
Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal recently visited the Androli area of ??Govind Sagar Lake with his family and enjoyed various adventure activities, including a hot air balloon ride. He said that this facility has now become an excellent option for families, children, and tourists to enjoy sightseeing, water sports, and adventure activities.
He said that earlier, people used to travel to distant tourist destinations for these activities or were disappointed due to the lack of facilities, but now this opportunity is easily available in Androli itself. The Deputy Commissioner appealed to the general public to come with their families and children and enjoy these activities in a safe environment.
**Operation Contract Awarded Through a Transparent Process**
The Deputy Commissioner informed that a competitive and transparent tender process was adopted for the operation of water sports. Mayfield Adventures secured the operation contract by placing the highest bid of Rs. 80,00,500. All formalities were completed by a committee constituted under the chairmanship of the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Una, to ensure that the entire process was conducted fairly and transparently.
**Rs. 10 Crore Investment Proposed from ADB**
He informed that an investment of Rs. 10 crore is proposed with the assistance of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to develop the Androli area as an adventure tourism hub. This will help in expanding tourism facilities and developing the area as a well-organized tourist destination.
In addition, the Mandli-Lathiani bridge and road construction project on Govind Sagar will improve connectivity in the area, giving a new impetus to tourism.
It is noteworthy that the adventure sports meet organized by the police department in recent years had also given this area national recognition, with participants from across the country taking part in adventure activities.
Meanwhile, Reena from Una, who had come to enjoy water sports, said that the atmosphere in Androli is very peaceful and relaxing. She thoroughly enjoyed various thrilling activities here, including bike riding, jet skiing, and kayaking.
Reena said that trained and experienced trainers are available for all activities, keeping in mind the safety of the tourists, so that tourists can experience water sports in a completely safe environment. She said that places like Androli are excellent tourist destinations for young people as well as families. He also appealed to people to visit this beautiful tourist destination and enjoy water sports activities.
**Una District to Emerge More Strongly on the Tourism Map
Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal said that Chief Minister Shri Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu's priority is to create self-employment opportunities for the youth by promoting tourism. The commencement of water sports activities in Govind Sagar Lake is a significant step in this direction, which will strengthen the local economy and make Una district more prominent on the tourism map.
**Chief Minister's Vision Taking Shape on the Ground: Vivek Sharma
Kutlehar MLA Vivek Sharma said that Chief Minister Thakur Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu has a clear vision of making tourism a means of economic empowerment for the state.
The launch of water sports activities in Govind Sagar Lake in Androli, Kutlehar constituency, is a major step towards realizing this vision. This will create new employment and self-employment opportunities for the youth in the area and give a new impetus to the local economy.