Initiative to position Damdama Lake as hub for adventure sports

Now, it will take its first step in the form of a two-day carnival hosted by Haryana Tourism

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A plan is on to develop Damdama Lake, located amid the Aravalis in the Sohna block of Gurugram, as a base for eco-tourism and adventure sport. In fact, the plan was announced in 2018 but delayed due to the pandemic. Now, it will take its first step in the form of a two-day carnival hosted by Haryana Tourism.

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar will flag off the event in the coming weekend, which will seek to establish the lake area as a weekend getaway for Delhi-NCR as the tourism industry hopes for a revival this year. Forest and tourism minister Kanwar Pal will also be present. To be known as the ‘Haryana Aero Sports Carnival’, it is being organised jointly by Haryana Tourism and the Aero Club of India.

“Environmentalists have for years said mining and illegal construction in the vicinity of the lake have disrupted its inlets.”

A government spokesperson said there are various locations in Gurugram district by the Aravalli ranges that need to be given “a new identity” to generate interest in tourism. “This two-day festival is being organised to give a concrete shape to these possibilities at Damdama lake, which is one of the biggest lakes of the state. Since this area is geographically close to the national capital, it is bound to increase tourist footfall here,” the spokesperson said.

Promoted by the Centre for Adventure Tourism (CAT), the Damdama Lake campsite has been envisaged as a one-stop destination for both aero and water-based adventure sports. Among the activities planned are paramotoring, hot air balloon rides, aeromodelling, drone flying, camping, trekking and hill biking. “The event will give a fillip to efforts of the Haryana government for the development of tourism in the state. Employment opportunities would also be created for local youths,” the spokesperson said.

The focus on Damdama Lake as a tourist spot will also draw attention to the rain-fed waterbody itself, which has been shrinking. Environmentalists have for years said mining and illegal construction in the vicinity of the lake have disrupted its inlets, reducing the flow of water into the lake, reported ETTravelWorld.

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