Over the moon for its successful campaign for boosting tourism, the authorities in Kashmir are roping in new entrepreneurs for investing in the fun industry hoping to make tourists stay longer. SAIMA BHAT reports.
Encouraged by the prevailing ‘peaceful’ conditions in Kashmir and the tourist rush, the Tourism Department has taken many private entrepreneurs on board for creating new attractions, particularly in Srinagar, to ensure the tourists stay for a longer time. Earlier only private hotel chains and restaurants were investing in tourism but now open bidding has motivated many others to pitch in. Consequently, many new attractions have come up and are already registering a rush of tourists.
Kashmir Eye – the Aero Balloon: A white big balloon, tied with a thick central rope and a number of glittering ropes from its sides hang a ring that holds a big basket. This balloon is tied to base through strong cable and is pulled back with the help of a powerful winch. Cables beneath the balloon suspend the “basket” or capsule with a carrying capacity of 4 to 5 people. The people getting in this basket have to wear a belt on their abdomen which is tied with the hooks on the sides of this basket. A red flag in the basket can be waved in case the balloon needs to be pulled down and an extra rope (rescue rope) which can be thrown down in case of emergencies like high wind. The Balloon is cable controlled vigilant and trained staff.
Kashmir eye is a 21st century flight technology. It is presently operational in Zabarwan Park in Srinagar beside the Dal Lake. It goes up 100 to 120 meters where the balloon moves around the park with wind for a panoramic view of Dal Lake, Shankracharya hill and down town area. One such balloon in Arizona forest of Africa is installed to view wild animals.
Kashmir Eye is a joint venture of Mehraj-u-din Bhat (Highland Excursions with 40 years of experience in adventure tourism and Heli skiing in Nepal) and Mohammad Afzal Sheikh (River & Raft, the person behind rafting in Kashmir). It is a private-public initiative where Department of Tourism has given land on lease for 7 years. It is world’s 11th and India’s first such aero balloon.
The balloon has been imported from USA and is filled in with Helium gas which is imported from Qatar. The balloon cost Mohammad Afzal nearly three core rupees and it needs to be refilled weekly with three cylinders of Helium which costs them Rs 50 to 80 Lakhs.
“Kashmir needs to have such kind of adventurous attractions because being a tourist destination we are far away in adventure tourism. And in addition to that, new ventures becomes a source of livelihood for many people,” says Mohammad Afzal who has some more projects in pipeline like Zip Line (climbing mountains with ropes), Ice skating rink, Eco park (in Kangan) and a chopper for ferrying wealthy tourists.
Besides these projects Mohammad Afzal is soon going to inaugurate a children’s park in Mammar area of Kangan and he has already started offering water rafting in Pahalgam and Mammar.
“The Kashmir Eye is already hugely popular with visitors. Compared to the locals the ratio is 60 to 40,” says Mariya, Manager Operations, Aero Balloon. The first tethered balloon was made in France in 1994. And now such balloons can be seen in almost every tourist destination of Europe and America.
Honda Marine – Kashmir Motors Marine Services – Water Transport:
The contract of inland water transport from Pampore to Weir, Chattabal was awarded to Kashmir Motors. Initially, five boats with Honda Marine outboard engines, with capacity of 12 and 8 passengers, are driving from Zero Bridge to Weir (heritage phase) which takes one hour distance (15 Kms). Kashmir Motors is working in collaboration with Honda Motors, who are looking after the technology part of the project. Kashmir is second after Kerala where Honda Marine is working.
“The second phase of water transport, to ferry passengers from Pampore will be started by the end of October this year,” says Ufair Ajaz, Head, Marketing and Development Kashmir Motors. Besides locals, it has become a new attraction for tourists also. The initiative is taken to regain the lost culture of water transport in Kashmir. The project being a part of heritage tourism gives visitors a good insight into the Srinagar city. Dr Hussain Shah, Consultant of Kashmir Motors Adventure Tours and Sports, says, “Introduction of inland water transport is a good move. It will not only reduce the traffic mess, but would also attract tourists.”
