Thrills, Chills, and Frills: Asian River Rafting Championships Kick Off in Shimla

: Category: Latest; Published: 04 March 2024

Ritvik Singh/HimbumailNewsService

Shimla- The stage is set for an adrenaline-fueled showdown as river rafters from across Asia converge on the picturesque Pandoa village nestled along the banks of the Satluj River in Sunni in the outskirts of this capital city.

Today marks the inauguration of the much-anticipated Asian River Rafting Championships, a spectacle that promises to test the mettle of seasoned adventurers and thrill-seekers alike in the raging rapids of the Satluj river.

Kick off by Chief Minister Mr. Sukhwinder Singh from The Ridge here today, the championship would give a new push to adventure tourism here.

The rafters would take part in the contests from March 3 to March 9, 2024, in the Pandoa area of Sunni near Shimla.

DC Shimla Anupam Kashyap said the district administration has made all arrangements for the success of this prestigious event, positioning Shimla's adventure sports tourism on the international platform.

These days, the tourist influx is sluggish and is expected to be picking up due to the snow in the higher reaches of Narkanda, Baghi, Kharapathar, Khirki and Chharki uphill of Shimla.

The event, spearheaded by adventure sports promoters Mountain Goat in collaboration with the Himachal Pradesh tourism department, aims not only to showcase the exhilarating sport of river rafting but also to bolster tourism across the region.

Participants gear up to negotiate the raging rapids of the Satluj River, ranging from the challenging Class 3 torrents from Pandhoa to to Sunni.

Unlike the daunting Class 4 rapids reserved for seasoned professionals in Bashar, the route from Pandora to Sunni offers a thrilling yet relatively manageable adventure.

It is punctuated by icy cold temperatures that add an extra layer of excitement to the competitors.

"This championship has attracted river rafters from across Asia, underscoring the growing allure of adventure sports in the region," remarked a spokesperson of the championship.

Indeed, enthusiasts from neighboring countries have flocked to Shimla to pit their skills against the raging currents, showcasing the international appeal of this heart-pounding competition.

As rafts plunge into the gurgling waters, participants brace themselves for a wild ride through nature's playground- the Staluj river.

With every twist and turn, the river reveals its untamed spirit, testing the skills of the crews.

Asian River Rafting Championships promise to be a spectacle of thrills, chills, and frills, showcasing the indomitable spirit of human endeavor against the backdrop of Satluj's fury.

As the competition unfolds, one thing is certain - in the swirling currents of the Satluj River, adventure awaits those brave enough to seize it, said a river rafter Anil Shaink.

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Sword of Uncertainty Over Six CPSs’ Fate Temporarily Lifted: Relief for Sukhu Government

In a major relief to the Himachal Pradesh government, the Supreme Court has stayed the High Court’s directive to initiate disqualification proceedings against six MLAs who were appointed as Chief Parliamentary Secretaries (CPSs).

This decision, welcomed by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has brought a temporary reprieve to his administration, which was grappling with the political and legal ramifications of the High Court’s order.

The Himachal Pradesh High Court had earlier quashed the appointments of the six CPSs, deeming them unconstitutional, and directed the Assembly Speaker to initiate disqualification proceedings under the anti-defection law.

However, the Supreme Court’s stay has effectively paused the implementation of this directive, offering the government some breathing space to strategize its next legal move.

CM Sukhu Hails Supreme Court’s Clarity

Speaking to media persons in New Delhi, CM Sukhu expressed his satisfaction with the Supreme Court’s interpretation, which he said provided much-needed clarity on the matter.

"The relief granted by the Supreme Court is significant, and we will deliberate on the next steps after considering all legal aspects,” he said.

The Chief Minister also emphasized that the apex court’s interpretation differed from paragraph 50 of the High Court’s verdict, which had been the basis of the controversial directive.

Opposition’s “Childish” Behavior Criticized

Shifting his focus to the opposition, Sukhu took a sharp jab at their tactics, describing their behavior as “childish” and lacking focus on real issues.

“There are no controversies here, but their behavior is simply immature. From toilet tax to ‘Samosa Politics,’ they are just distracting from the real issues,” he said.

Sukhu accused the opposition BJP of attempting to create diversions because of its failure to make a dent in the Congress’s strength during the Vidhan Sabha elections.

“Their ‘Operation Lotus’ was decisively rejected by the people, and Congress retained its 40-seat strength. Now, they resort to personal attacks to divert attention from our welfare schemes,” he added.

Relief Amid Mounting Challenges

The Supreme Court’s stay on the High Court’s order has momentarily eased the pressure on the Sukhu government, but the sword of uncertainty continues to hang over the six MLAs who served as CPSs.

With questions around their appointments still unresolved, the case remains a legal minefield.

The CPS appointments had drawn criticism for allegedly violating constitutional provisions, which prohibit the creation of such posts without legislative backing.

The High Court’s scathing remarks and the directive for disqualification had added fuel to the controversy, creating a storm in the state’s political landscape.

While the Supreme Court’s intervention provides temporary relief, the Sukhu government must now prepare for a protracted legal battle to defend the appointments and protect its legislative majority.

Opposition’s Counterattacks

The BJP, meanwhile, has been quick to pounce on the issue, accusing the government of flouting constitutional norms for political convenience. Party leaders have argued that the CPS appointments were a backdoor way to reward loyalists, a claim that Sukhu has staunchly denied.

The opposition’s attacks, combined with the ongoing legal scrutiny, highlight the precarious nature of the government’s position. For now, the Supreme Court’s decision is a welcome pause, but the final word on the matter could still have far-reaching consequences for the political stability of Himachal Pradesh.

Sukhu’s Call for Responsibility

Amid the controversy, Sukhu reiterated his commitment to governance and welfare. He called on the opposition to act responsibly and raise issues that matter to the common man.

“Significant progress has been made in improving the socio-economic status of the underprivileged during this tenure, and that remains our priority,” he stated.

With the legal wrangling far from over, the fate of the six CPSs—and the stability of the Sukhu government—remains inextricably tied to the unfolding courtroom drama.

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Thrills, Chills, and Frills: Asian River Rafting Championships Kick Off in Shimla

These days, the tourist influx is sluggish and is expected to be picking up due to the snow in the higher reaches of Narkanda, Baghi, Kharapathar, Khirki and Chharki uphill of Shimla.

With every twist and turn, the river reveals its untamed spirit, testing the skills of the crews.

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