Rafting expedition flagged off from Manali

Kullu, October 23

A four-day river rafting expedition from Manali to Pong Dam was flagged off by Forest, Transport, Youth Services and Sports Minister Govind Singh Thakur today. The expedition is being organised by Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (ABVIMAS), Manali, to promote adventure sports.

Under the campaign, a 13-member team, led by ABVIMAS director Col Neeraj Rana, will travel about 230 km from Manali to Pong Dam at Dehra in Kangra by rafting. The minister sent the team from near the Bahnu bridge and joined the participants in the expedition till Patlikul, 18 km from Manali.

He said Himachal attracted millions of tourists every year due to clean and beautiful valleys. The tourism industry had an important contribution to the economy of the state. Therefore, awareness of the general public on environmental protection was important.

“There is a possibility to promote tourism through adventure sports in the state, which is why the expedition from Manali to Pong Dam is being undertaken for the first time,” he added.

The minister said it would probably be the longest rafting expedition in the world. The ABVIMAS authorities had also applied to get it listed in the Limca Book of Records. Himachal would now play a leading role in rafting in India.

“The World Rafting Association has given the go-ahead to organise the Asian Rafting Championship in Manali next year and has also agreed to provide training in Serbia to about 25 rafters from the state. The Asian Championship will also pave the way for the World Championship in Kullu. This will give a boost to adventure tourism in the state,” the minister said. — OC