Chandigarh: From bungee jumping and hot-air ballooning to jet skiing and power paragliding, Punjab’s youth may soon get a taste of adventure sports closer to home.To encourage greater participation in outdoor and adventure activities, the Punjab government is planning to establish a dedicated adventure academy in the picturesque Shivalik foothills, creating a hub for adventure sports, skill development and experiential learning.Beyond recreation, the project aims to provide structured adventure training that could open up career opportunities for young people in the growing adventure tourism and outdoor sports sector. The department of youth services has initiated the process of setting up the academy across 30-50 acres in Punjab’s Shivalik region.Punjab assistant director (youth services) Rupinder Kaur said all activities would be offered free of cost, with the entire expenditure borne by the state government. Interested youth will be able to register and book slots through a helpline and an online portal.The government plans to organise 38 adventure camps annually for nearly 5,700 participants across the state. Each five-day camp will accommodate 150 participants. The camps are proposed to be held in the foothill districts of Rupnagar, Hoshiarpur and Pathankot.Activities planned under the project include bungee jumping, hot-air ballooning, banana boat rides, water and land parasailing, jet skiing, wakeboarding, wall climbing, rock climbing, rappelling, trekking, zip-lining, high-rope courses, snorkelling and power paragliding.The project places a strong emphasis on safety standards, requiring certified equipment, trained instructors, emergency response mechanisms, safety gear, and adherence to recognised national and international operational protocols. All water sports activities will be conducted by certified operators in controlled water zones, with trained rescue staff, medical backup and safety equipment, in accordance with guidelines issued by the National Institute of Water Sports.The proposed facilities include Swiss cottage tents with attached washrooms, separate accommodation arrangements for boys and girls, dining and assembly areas, medical and first-aid support, and transport facilities. The site will also have fenced premises, round-the-clock security, CCTV surveillance, power backup, safe drinking water and accommodation infrastructure.Seats will be allotted on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to availability. Kaur said the process of hiring a specialised agency to set up and operate the academy had already begun. “The project will not only encourage interest in adventure activities among youth but also motivate them to explore adventure sports and outdoor recreation as potential career options,” she said.
