The Indian Army team has won the trophy of 14th National Rafting Championships held at Sunni in Shimla district and another team of the Army won second place while the team of Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (ABVIMAS) remained third overall winner of the tournament. The event had started on March 23 in Satluj river and a total of 15 national teams participated in the races in different categories including men and women. Five team of Indian Army, four teams of Border Security Force (BSF), teams from Punjab police, Hyderabad, Jammu & Kashmir, Arunachal and Himachal participated in the event. The ABVIMAS team bagged gold in sprint race in senior men category while Army teams won both silver and bronze. In both slalom and marathon races, the gold, silver and bronze were won by the three teams of Army. In senior boys and girls mix category, gold was won by ABVIMAS, silver and bronze were bagged by BSF teams. Gold in marathon race was bagged by BSF, silver by ABVIMAS team and bronze by BSF. Indian Army team was declared the overall winner. Another team of Indian Army was declared first runner up and ABVIMAS team had to satisfy with third place. The event was hosted by ABVIMAS in association with Himachal Tourism. ABVIMAS director Col Neeraj Rana said tourism secretary Devesh Kumar was the chief guest in prize distribution ceremony. “The river rafting events are promoting waters sports in the country. The top-performing teams will be shortlisted for World Rafting Championship to be held at France from June 28,” he said. National Rafting Championships in Satluj river from March 23 March 21, 2021: The 14th National Rafting Championships will be held in Himachal in Satluj river from March 23 to 27 where 18 teams from
The Indian Army team has won the trophy of 14th National Rafting Championships held at Sunni in Shimla district and another team of the Army won second place while the team of Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (ABVIMAS) remained third overall winner of the tournament. The event had started on March
No raft is floating on the rivers, skies have no paragliders, the rugged terrains are missing the ATVs, challenging Himalayan trails have no hikers and nobody is skiing down the backcountry slopes in Himachal. With tourism around the world coming to a standstill, the adventure tourism industry of the state has also been hit hard, leaving thousands jobless. Not just the hoteliers, thousands of people operating adventure tourism have been left jobless by the Covid-19. Himachal has emerged as a top adventure tourism hub of the world where adventure enthusiasts from around the world come for all kind of activities. Paragliding, rafting, mountaineering, skiing, heli-skiing, ATV rides and almost every adventure activity is available in the state. As tourism is expected to take many more months to come back on the track, thousands of adventure activity operators are worrying for their future. “All the industries have been hit by the Covid-19 but tourism industry has suffered the most. The agriculture, horticulture, construction, trades and all industries are returning to normalcy one by one. But the tourism will take a long time to resume. All the adventure activities too have come to a grinding halt. Thousands have lost their jobs. Now everybody is looking at government for relief,” Adventure Tour Operators Association president Roshan Lal said. Adventure tourism in Himachal has become a multi-crore industry that runs almost round the year except for monsoon season. It has become one of the largest employers in the state. May and June are the peak season when lakhs of tourists try hand at various activities in the state especially in Kullu, Shimla, Kangra and Chamba districts. The state has all the activities except for bungee jumping. The government was to start setting up world’s highest bungee jumping near Marhi at altitude of about 11,000ft
No raft is floating on the rivers, skies have no paragliders, the rugged terrains are missing the ATVs, challenging Himalayan trails have no hikers and nobody is skiing down the backcountry slopes in Himachal. With tourism around the world coming to a standstill, the adventure tourism industry of the state has also been hit hard,
A group of 13 adventure sports instructors has set a world record by rafting the Beas from close to its origin till its end point in Himachal Pradesh in four days. The feat was achieved by rafting day and night. Two rafts and three kayaks were used in the expedition. All the participants were the instructors from Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (ABVIMAS), Manali, led by director of the institute Colonel Neeraj Rana, who wanted to prove their mettle in the adventure sport besides popularizing water sports in Himachal. The expedition starts from Manali on October 23 and ended near Pong Dam in Kangra. Formal announcement of the record would be made by Limca Book of Records in a few days after analyzing the video footage and other records. “This was much difficult than we had imagined. I am extremely happy that my team has made it to the record books by being first to raft from Manali to Dehra in four days,” Col Rana said. He added that the total distance calculated by the expedition was 210km. “None of us had knowledge about the river flow, depth, falls, speed and entire geography. It was full of adventure and two days we had to raft in night time – one day till 2:30am as well – to achieve the deadline of four days.” Rana added that contrary to their belief that the stretch between Manali and Kullu has the most challenging rapids, the stretch between Mandi and Sandol had the grade-4 and grade-5 rapids. He further added that with the fast flow, high rapids and tight gorge, this area challenged them where it was difficult to maneuver the rafts. As a large number of tributaries meet the Beas, its water level keeps increasing. While water was
A group of 13 adventure sports instructors has set a world record by rafting the Beas from close to its origin till its end point in Himachal Pradesh in four days. The feat was achieved by rafting day and night. Two rafts and three kayaks were used in the expedition. All the participants were the
As Himachal is preparing to host Asian Rafting Championships next year, a 13 member team of Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (ABVIMAS) has set out on a 230km-long rafting expedition on Beas on Wednesday. Aiming for a world record, the team will raft across the length of the Beas river in Himachal from Manali to Dehra in Kangra. Led by ABVIMAS director Col Neeraj Rana, the expedition was flagged off by forest, transport, sports and youth services minister Govind Singh Thakur from Manali. The minister himself experienced the thrill of rafting in wild rapids of Beas in first 15km stretch. “The team has challenge to complete the expedition in four days. Nobody did rafting in majority of the stretch of Beas till date. They are confident to set a world record. This will popularize water sports in Himachal. They are using two rafts and three kayaks,” Thakur said. The sports minister informed that World Rafting Federation has given its nod to Himachal for hosting Asian Rafting Championships in 2020. “We shall leave no stone unturned in smooth conduct of the championship on the Beas. This will open doors for Himachal to host World Rafting Championship. Our 25 rafters are going to Serbia to get advanced training,” he added. Rafting is forbidden for tourists in some stretches of Beas where rapids are high and water flow is fast. There are some stretches where water is deep but water flow is almost still. Shallow water and sharp edged rocks are another challenge. Col Neeraj Rana said the boys are full of enthusiasm and want to accomplish the task as soon as possible. “We have to reach Dehra bridge on October 26. We are taking care of our safety. We will be lifting our rafts and kayaks to the
As Himachal is preparing to host Asian Rafting Championships next year, a 13 member team of Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (ABVIMAS) has set out on a 230km-long rafting expedition on Beas on Wednesday. Aiming for a world record, the team will raft across the length of the Beas river in
A 13-member team of adventure enthusiasts from Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (ABVIMAS), Manali, will attempt to set a world record this month by scaling the length of the Beas river riding two rafts and three kayaks. ABVIMAS instructors under the leadership of director of the institute will start the arduous journey from Manali on October 23. The challenge is to reach Dehra in Kangra district in four days after covering distance of about 230km. So far nobody has attempted to do this. Limca Book of Records officials will closely observe the expedition. If successful, it will be a world record. The river is wild and fast with high rapids and sharp boulder between Manali and Raison, while water can be shallow and slow at some places. The Beas river has two reservoirs – one at Larji and another near Pandoh in Mandi where rafts and kayaks will be lifted manually to the other side of the dam from where the members will start rowing their rafts. The team did a recce of the Beas and discovered that they will have to lift the rafts and kayaks for 5km beyond Larji dam as the stretch has very shallow water due to all waters being diverted through reservoir to generate electricity. Most stretches of Beas are dangerous for rafting and only a few stretches have been approved by government where tourists enjoy rafting. ABVIMAS director Colonel Neeraj Rana said each raft will have five rafters while three kayakers will give them the company. “The kayaks will ensure the safety of the rafters. Our target is to reach Dehra bridge on October 26. If we feel that we are unable to cover the distance on time, we shall travel in night time too. It’s a big challenge but
A 13-member team of adventure enthusiasts from Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (ABVIMAS), Manali, will attempt to set a world record this month by scaling the length of the Beas river riding two rafts and three kayaks. ABVIMAS instructors under the leadership of director of the institute will start the arduous
Kullu administration on Tuesday imposed complete ban on water sports including river rafting and paragliding with immediate effect. The decision was taken given the monsoon rains and swelling water level of all rivers and their tributaries in the district. Tourism and civil aviation deputy director Bhag Chand Negi said water level is very high in Beas and other streams following the rain. “Taking precautionary measure to avoid any accident, river rafting in Beas and paragliding at all sites in Kullu have been stopped till September 15. Strict compliance of the order would be ensured,” he said. Both water and aero sports become very risky during this time. Administration bans rafting every year in monsoon season under River Rafting Act 2005 and bans paragliding under section Himachal Pradesh Aero Sports Rules, 2004. The ban is generally lifted on September 15. The administration has also requested people to stay away from rivers and nullahs during rain as sudden rise in water level can result in flood like situation. The hydel projects here also release surplus water from reservoir which causes sudden rise in water level in rivers.
Kullu administration on Tuesday imposed complete ban on water sports including river rafting and paragliding with immediate effect. The decision was taken given the monsoon rains and swelling water level of all rivers and their tributaries in the district. Tourism and civil aviation deputy director Bhag Chand Negi said water level is very high in
A five-member rafting team from India is participating in Senior World Rafting Championships at Tunceli city of Turkey. This is the first time that the Indian team is participating in the world rafting championship. Four athletes and a coach-cum-reserve player from Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (ABVIMAS), Manali, are representing the country in the championships being organized by World Rafting Federation (WRF) and Turkish Rafting Federation (TRF). The event is being organized in the Munzur river from June 8 to 13. The Indian team reached Tunceli on Sunday morning and did some practice runs to warm up. The opening ceremony was held on Sunday evening and competition will start from Monday. Gimnar Singh, Naveen Kumar, Akshat Kumar and Panne Lal are the athletes while ABVIMAS director Colonel Neeraj Rana is the coach and reserve athlete. The competitions will consist of downriver, 600m sprint, 1.2km slalom and cross country. Over 20 countries are participating in the championships. Col Neeraj Rana said they got an invitation from Turkish Rafting Federation based on their performances in national games. “ABVIMAS team had won first prize in national rafting championship in Satluj river last year. This is the first time that our country is taking part in the world rafting championship. After some warm-up runs, we are sure about good performance,” he said. Tunceli is the home to 36-km-long Munzur river. The city which had hosted Turkey Rafting Championship in May last year is hosting world championship for the first time. TRF has spent a huge amount on the improvement of the infrastructure in the city and has developed two courses – one for training and warm up and other for main races.
A five-member rafting team from India is participating in Senior World Rafting Championships at Tunceli city of Turkey. This is the first time that the Indian team is participating in the world rafting championship. Four athletes and a coach-cum-reserve player from Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (ABVIMAS), Manali, are representing the
With water of rivers flowing above the normal level, Kullu administration has sounded an alert to avoid the unnecessary movement near rivers while a complete ban has been imposed on river rafting. The incessant monsoon rains on mountains have raised the water level of Beas, Parbati, Sarvari, Manalsu, Allain and other rivers of the district. Given that sudden increase in water level could be fatal for thousands of tourists who are unfamiliar with mountain rivers, the administration has instructed people not to go near the rivers. Also, river rafting and other adventurous sports associated with rivers have been banned till September 15. Provisions of strict punishment and fine have been made for lawbreakers. As scores of adventure enthusiasts are coming Kullu-Manali every day, the ban on rafting was going to slash the adventure industry of the region badly. For river rafting paralyzed completely, more than 150 rafters will have to face huge losses. District tourism development officer Balbir Thakur said water level of rivers have climbed up abnormally due to monsoons, so imposing ban on river rafting is the only way to avoid danger to lives of tourists. “We shall keep an eye on the water level of rivers. If everything goes well, rafting would be resumed. But no one will be allowed to play with the lives of people,” he said. Thakur said the tourists and local residents have been alerted to stop unnecessary venturing close to the rivers. If anybody organizes the river rafting illegally, their license would be cancelled, he said.
With water of rivers flowing above the normal level, Kullu administration has sounded an alert to avoid the unnecessary movement near rivers while a complete ban has been imposed on river rafting. The incessant monsoon rains on mountains have raised the water level of Beas, Parbati, Sarvari, Manalsu, Allain and other rivers of the district.
Warm clothes are back in Manali. The heavy pre-monsoon showers have brought down the temperature at a single stroke on Saturday. High altitude peaks around Manali experienced nominal snowfall, while lower regions received heavy rain. With Manali-Leh highway receiving rainfall, the entire root has become slippery, bogey and dangerous. Mandi, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti and most of the regions of the state experienced moderate rainfall providing relief from the scorching heat. The continuous showers have given rise to the water level of river Beas and Parbati. However no alerts have been issued but tourists were hesitating riding the river rafts as the sludgy water was terrible. Manali on Saturday recorded minimum temperature of 9 degree Celsius and maximum temperature was recorded at 19 degree Celsius. The weatherman has predicted more showers in coming 24 hours.
Warm clothes are back in Manali. The heavy pre-monsoon showers have brought down the temperature at a single stroke on Saturday. High altitude peaks around Manali experienced nominal snowfall, while lower regions received heavy rain. With Manali-Leh highway receiving rainfall, the entire root has become slippery, bogey and dangerous. Mandi, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti and most of
A 20-year-old tourist from Delhi was killed while five others were rescued when a raft they were riding capsized and they fell into the cold water of Beas on Tuesday evening. According to Kullu SP Abhishek Dular, a group of six boys from Delhi had reached Manali on May 22 for holidays and after a full day sightseeing to Rohtang on 23, they planned to enjoy the rafting on May 24 when this mishap occurred. “All were businessmen. Ten persons were onboard the raft including a guide and three rowers. They started from Raison near Kullu. Guide chose wrong course and raft was trapped in a huge rapid. The raft overturned and all riders fell into the river,” Dular said. He said five tourists were saved by guide and rowers but Nitin Chhabra, resident of Gyan Park, New Delhi died on the spot. According to the investigating officer, inspector Hari Singh, all tourists were wearing life jackets but the boy fell into water with his head down and died with shock. Munish Chhabra, a rescued tourist said they were enjoying the rafting but this accident has turned their holiday into mourning. “Everything was fine at beginning but a sudden jerk sent us all into the water. Water was cold and stream was very sharp. We were recovered but Nitin died at the spot,” he said. After the post-mortem, body was handed over to his relatives on Wednesday. The guide of the raft was arrested under section 340(A), 336 of IPC act for negligence on his part but later he was released on bail. The accident has revealed certain shocking things. The rafting company was providing its services to the tourists without any governmental approval. The company was not registered with Himachal Pradesh Tourism Department. Administration has imposed strict ban on
A 20-year-old tourist from Delhi was killed while five others were rescued when a raft they were riding capsized and they fell into the cold water of Beas on Tuesday evening. According to Kullu SP Abhishek Dular, a group of six boys from Delhi had reached Manali on May 22 for holidays and after a
