UDHAMPUR, SEPTEMBER 27: In a vibrant display of community and environmental stewardship, Patnitop Development Authority celebrated World Tourism Day 2025 with a series of events centered on this year’s theme “Tourism & Sustainable Transformation.”The celebration brought together various government departments, local stakeholders, and members of the public and tourists to highlight the importance of responsible tourism and ecological preservation.The day’s events included an Eco Walk, a Painting Competition, a Sanitation Drive, and a Plantation Drive, all designed to foster a greater appreciation for the region’s natural beauty and promote sustainable practices.
The Chief Executive Officer, Patnitop Development Authority along with SDM Chenani and Tehsildar Chenani and Accounts Officer, PDA officially flagged off the Eco Walk event, setting the tone for a day dedicated to environmental consciousness.The presence of key officials from the local administration underscored the importance of the collaborative partnership between the PDA and the District Administration Udhampur in promoting sustainable tourism.
Chief Executive Officer Patnitop Development Authority Virender Kumar Manyal spoke passionately about the significance of the event. He provided a detailed overview of the day’s activities and underscored the critical role that sustainable tourism plays in the long-term prosperity of the region.He emphasized that the “Tourism & Sustainable Transformation” theme is particularly relevant to Patnitop, as it calls for a collective effort to preserve its pristine environment for future generations.
The CEO highlighted the collaborative spirit that made the event possible, thanking all participating organizations for their unwavering support.A key highlight of the celebration was the Painting Competition, which saw enthusiastic participation from students of Government High School (GHS), Karlah.The young students expressed their creativity and understanding of the event’s theme through their vibrant artwork. Prizes were awarded to the top three winners, with first, second, and third place prizes distributed among the talented students and all other students were awarded a certificate of participation. In a heartwarming moment, a special prize was also given to a pre-nursery student for her exceptional and inspiring painting, showcasing that a love for art and nature can start at any age.
The event was a collaborative effort, organized by the Patnitop Development Authority in association with the Directorate of Tourism Jammu, District Administration Udhampur, Forest Department, Hoteliers, other stakeholders of Patnitop, and tourists to ensure its success. This multi-agency collaboration showcased a shared commitment to developing tourism in a way that benefits both the local economy and the environment. The hands-on participation in the Sanitation and Plantation Drives further solidified this commitment, with participants working together to clean up designated areas and plant new trees.The CEO PDA extended his sincere gratitude to Saloni Rai, Deputy Commissioner Udhampur and Vikas Gupta, Director Tourism Jammu, for their crucial support in making the celebration a resounding success. Their leadership and assistance were instrumental in orchestrating the event.
