Arunachal CM Pema Khandu Inaugurates Aqua Excellence Centre at NIMAS

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu inaugurated the Aqua Excellence Centre at the Dirang-based National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (NIMAS) in Tippi on Wednesday. NIMAS, under the Defence Ministry, provides world-class training in land, aero, and aqua adventure and offers certifications in activities like mountaineering, mountain biking, rafting, diving, paramotoring, and paragliding.

Focusing on holistic development, NIMAS aims to produce skilled, resilient, and environmentally conscious adventurers. CM Khandu noted that the new centre would significantly boost water adventure sports in the region. He emphasized the potential of Arunachal Pradesh's rivers for activities such as river rafting, canoeing, kayaking, scuba diving, and snorkeling.

Khandu expressed optimism that NIMAS would leverage its expertise to transform Arunachal Pradesh into a major adventure tourism destination. The Chief Minister praised NIMAS Director Col Ranveer Singh Jamwal for repurposing an unused building originally constructed by the state Tourism department, which was renovated at a cost of Rs 95 lakhs. Khandu also celebrated the achievements of the 'Har Shikhar Tiranga' team, led by Col Jamwal, and flagged off the Mount Gorichen Massif Expedition. He suggested that the tourism department, in collaboration with NIMAS, could develop adventure tourism around Mount Gorichen similar to Mount Everest. A coffee-table book and documentary on the 'Har Sikhar Tiranga Mission' were also released.

(With inputs from agencies.)