Planning a holiday with some adventure sports in mind, Bihar’s West Champaran could be a great option for you. Shocked?
Don’t be because we are right. The land of rich cultural heritage which has not really shined in the same league as Goa or Kerala, is witnessing a major turning point. West Champaran, famous for the Valmiki Tiger Reserve and the startup zone, is now the first district in the state to have water sports activities including parasailing.
All thanks to former West Champaran DC Mr. Kundan Kumar’s vision and teamwork
the district is set to become a major tourist hub in the coming years. During a conversation with Indian Masterminds, Mr. Kumar shared how adventure sports facilities have been developed in Amawaman Lake.
REJUVENATION OF THE LAKE
Apart from being revered as Rishi Valmiki’s land, West Champaran is also known as
the place of inception for Mahatma Gandhi’s Satyagraha movement. The place has immense possibilities. “The state government is focused on tourism as well among other key experiments. On their encouragement, we planned to develop the Amawaman lake into an adventurous water sports facility,” said the IAS officer, who is currently serving as District Collector, Purnea.
Spread over 400 acres alongside a national highway, the Amawaman Lake is “Gateway to
West Champaran”. The inland water body remains charged even during peak summer. This made it a perfect choice to host water sports, he added.
NEW IDENTITY
Earlier the lake was used for idol immersion. Before the trials for water sports, the lake had to be transformed and rejuvenated under the MANREGA scheme.
Several infrastructures were built alongside the lake and nearby areas to accommodate the tourist. Besides the steps to enter the lake, pre-fabricated changing rooms, modular toilets, entrance gates, and storerooms were built.
The place now is beaming with canteens, restaurants, housekeeping facilities, and nearby guest houses and hotels too.
WORLD-CLASS FACILITIES
The trials for water sports started last year. Now, the tourist can enjoy paddle boats,
banana ride, jet ski, zorbing, kayaking, and canoeing.
After several successful trials, parasailing has also started on Amawaman which is a first in Bihar.
Most of the equipment and paraphernalia for these sports have arrived from the USA,
New Zealand and Japan.
Calling this a great livelihood opportunity for the locals, Mr. Kumar said, “Since it is a flood-prone area so most of the locals are already pro in swimming and boating. The fisherman who would lose their job during floods can now get the opportunity of a side hustle. Besides, tourism will also help develop small businesses.”
OPPORTUNITIES GALORE
Mr. Kumar is hopeful that the initiative will add a new chapter of sports in the region.
Water Sports like kayaking and canoeing have a lot of scope in the district, he said, adding, “The newly developed Amawaman is very conducive for kayaking and the youth here have great
potential to excel in it.”
Even during his tenure, Mr. Kumar had invested himself in ensuring young boys and girls from the fishing community, and Kayaking Club of Bihar under proper guidance from sports teachers could train for National and International events.
His vision is being realised on a grand scale now.
