2-Day Youth Conclave/Lal Draman Summer festival culminates in Doda

DODA, August 06: Two- Day Youth Conclave/Lal Draman Summer Festival culminated at high-note today. 

More than 20000 tourists, local and from all parts of UT of J&K, spend their valued time in the Lal Draman meadows capturing their never-before moments with winsome, charming and alluring natural and refreshing environment.

Doda administration, in its endeavour to give picturesque Lal draman meadow its due place on the tourism map of UT of J&K, hosted two-day Youth conclave/ Lal draman Summer festival, which ended today. The inauguration of Bijarni Lal Draman road yesterday has made much famed Lal  Draman tourist destination nearest to the Doda town with only 15 Kms away from it. The visitors not only enjoyed the during the day time, but it was reported that due to synchronised efforts of all the departments of the administration under the leadership of  DC Doda Vishesh Mahajan, more than 2000 people stayed in the meadows last night. 

All the arrangements were made by the administration for the convenience of the visitors. More than 30 private entrepreneurs had set their food stalls in the festival, and more than 50 private tents were made available to the tourists on a rental basis, besides other facilities.

Doda administration organised the festival in collaboration with  the Directorate of Tourism Jammu and Jammu Kashmir Academy of Art Culture & Languages at Lal Draman.

Lal Draman is a scenic meadow located 15 km from Doda town. It is surrounded by mountains and landscapes, making it a popular destination for local and outside tourists. The meadow is also home to a rich cultural heritage, with traditional customs and practices still prevalent among the local community.

DC Doda Vishesh Mahajan received warm and affectionate welcome with garland of flowers, local musical band, dancing youth, and thousands of smiling faces when reached in the festival yesterday. People and PRIs, including representatives of various trade unions, media fraternity, and leaders, appreciated the efforts of DC Doda for his tireless efforts in connecting the picnic spot through all weather road and organising the grand festival.

 A colourful cultural programme by local artists kept the audience spell bound. A Kabbadi championship was held along with other local games. Tentage facility has been made available for visitors staying here, and the facility shall remain available here till October 31st on a payment basis. Other  activities of tourist attraction remained soul refreshing Yoga in the morning, Trekking, Zorbing, Zipline,  Marathon, local cuisines, Horse riding, and displaying art & craft stalls showcasing agro-based and rural Tourism.

DC Doda informed that the facilities being provided during the festival shall remain in place until October 31. Administration is expecting a huge rush of tourists in the Lal Dramen during the current tourist season. He reiterated his appeal to the youth of the area to promote the local offbeat tourist places, local culture, food, and heritage, which in turn will bring economic prosperity in the district.

He urged the locals to take the benefits of various government schemes run through the Tourism department and other agencies, create homestays and other tourism infrastructure, and observe all protocols of hospitality to boost tourism in the area. He advocated for Jan Bhagidari and urged the public to keep the fragile ecosystem of the Lal Draman and other tourist destinations protected, neat, and clean.