NIMAS Launches Aqua Excellence Centre in Tippi West Kameng – A Boost for Water Sports in Arunachal Pradesh
In a groundbreaking initiative to enhance adventure tourism and water sports in Arunachal Pradesh, the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (NIMAS) inaugurated its Aqua Excellence Centre in Tippi, West Kameng District. This momentous event, presided over by the Hon’ble Chief Minister Pema Khandu, marks a new chapter in the state’s journey towards becoming a global hub for adventure tourism.
The Aqua Excellence Centre is set to revolutionize water-based adventure activities in the region, leveraging Arunachal Pradesh’s rich water resources. By focusing on infrastructure development and advanced training programs, this cutting-edge facility aims to promote aqua sports and create new opportunities for the youth in adventure sports.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu, during the inauguration, emphasized the immense potential of Arunachal Pradesh’s rivers for activities such as river rafting, canoeing, kayaking, scuba diving, and snorkeling. He expressed optimism that NIMAS, with its expertise, would lead the charge in transforming the state into a premier destination for water-based adventure tourism. “This centre will unlock the potential of youth in aqua adventures, leveraging the state’s abundant rivers and water bodies,” Khandu remarked. He also commended NIMAS Director Col. Ranveer Singh Jamwal for utilizing an unused building previously built by the state tourism department and for executing the renovation under a modest budget of Rs. 95 lakh.
The Aqua Excellence Centre reflects the state’s commitment to empowering youth, fostering adventure tourism, and placing Arunachal Pradesh on the map as a top destination for water sports enthusiasts worldwide. With top-tier facilities and expert training in mountaineering, mountain terrain biking, scuba diving, white water rafting, paragliding, and paramotor activities, NIMAS continues to stand out as a premier institution for adventure sports.
Situated on a sprawling 38-acre campus, NIMAS offers professional training in land, air, and water-based adventure sports. Over the years, the institute has played a crucial role in shaping the skills of thousands of students across the country, cultivating a tradition of excellence in mountaineering and beyond.
During the event, the Chief Minister also lauded the NIMAS ‘Har Shikhar Tiranga’ team, which successfully scaled and hoisted the Tricolour on the highest peak of each Indian state. He praised the indomitable spirit of the team members, led by Col. Jamwal, the only Indian to have summited Mount Everest three times. Following this, Khandu flagged off the Mount Gorichen Massif Expedition, targeting the highest peak in Arunachal Pradesh, which lies along the boundary of West Kameng and Tawang districts.
Highlighting the tourism potential of Mount Gorichen, Khandu suggested the possibility of developing adventure tourism around the peak, similar to Mount Everest. He envisions hundreds of adventurers flocking to the area to climb the mountain or trek to its base camp, offering a unique opportunity for tourism growth.
To commemorate the occasion, Chief Minister Khandu also released a coffee-table book and a documentary video on the ‘Har Shikhar Tiranga Mission,’ further celebrating the achievements of the NIMAS team.
NIMAS, operating under the Ministry of Defence, is dedicated to offering world-class training across the three verticals of adventure sports—Land, Aero, and Aqua. The institution provides certifications in mountaineering, mountain terrain biking, white water rafting, scuba diving, paragliding, and paramotor activities. With its continued focus on excellence and holistic development, NIMAS is helping shape a new generation of skilled, resilient, and environmentally conscious adventurers.
