GOVERNOR’S SECRETARIAT
ARUNACHAL PRADESH
ITANAGAR

IPR (PR) 3/2009                                                                 Dated Naharlagun, July 30, 2009

Press Release Sl No. 690

River Rafting Programme conducted, Raj Bhavan initiative

Itanagar, July 29: A Raj Bhavan initiative, the department of Tourism in collaboration with Youth and Sports Affairs department and logistic support from the Army, a river rafting programme for school children was conducted at Poma area, 35 km from Itanagar on 29th July 2009. Thirty students, including seven girls from Sangay Lhaden Sports Academy, Chimpu participated in the event titled as Sadbhawna Rafting Programme, reports PRO to Governor

Governor, Gen JJ Singh, an ace adventurer himself, who enjoys outdoor activities, took up the river rafting programme for school children with Army’s 4 Corps, stationed at Tezpur recently. Showing enthusiasm on the programme and it willingness in providing help to the people of Arunachal Pradesh in any way possible on Sadbhawna, the Army entrusted eight river rafting experts, led by Subedar P.K. Nair from 3 Engineer regiment for the programme along with required equipments, such as raft, paddles and lifejackets etc.

During the daylong event, the children and other participants were educated and trained on the basics of river rafting by the rafting instructors. Going through the minute details of it, Subedar Nair gave extensive lecture on lifejacket, paddle and on the raft, the rubber boat. He also gave suggestions for emergency cases. Later, under watchful eyes of Nair and other personnel, the children and other enthusiastic participants received practical experience of rafting in the Poma River.

Closely coordinating the event with the concerned departments and institutions, Secretary to Governor Amit Singla pointed, the effort of the Governor will definitely help in inculcating spirit of adventure and competition amongst the younger generations. Along with goodwill or Sadbhawna of the local populace for the Army, it will also boost the adventure tourism in Arunachal Pradesh, especially the Poma area, which has huge potential.

Tourism Director A.K. Singh, who was present during the programme along with his Assistant Director Gedo Eshi at Poma, overseeing the activities interacted with the children and impressed upon them on importance and links between adventure sports and tourism. Insisting on good ethics and environmental concern by every individual while in the nature, Singh emphasized on ensuring the activity area clean before leaving the spot.

Meanwhile, extending gratefulness to the Governor, the army and tourism department, on behalf of the participating students and the school, Principal of Sangay Lhaden Sports Academy, Pubi Lombi pointed, this is the first time the children of the Academy had adventure activity and he expressed hope for some more such initiatives
from Raj Bhavan in the future.

River rafting is now a primary activity in most parts of the world. Preferred by individuals who want to have a wonderful break between hurried days and by groups who want to have a fun and dynamic outdoor team activity, rafting, especially White Water Rafting is continuously becoming popular these days. The thrill of having an adrenalinefilled adventure easily motivates any adventurous soul to get an oar and hop to the nearest inflatable Raft. Some people, on the other hand, do White Water Rafting to experience a different kind of outdoor activity at least once in their lifetime.

Some of the White Water Rafting benefits that the willing and the daring derive from this extreme sport are Nature adventure, Great work out, challenges, stress reliever and team work.

White Water Rafting is for people who love the great outdoors. Set against breathtaking sceneries, this activity provides an exhilarating experience for those who want to have a one-of-a-kind nature adventure. Rolling rapids, meandering rivers, and scenic backdrops draw anyone even the most unwilling person to try Rafting.

This activity entails physical challenges. With the task of tackling Rapids on a roaring river, White Water Rafting gives a full body workout. Strength and endurance are constantly tested. Arms and legs get exercised tremendously in order for one to move along with the river current and at the same time, stay firmly in the boat.

Many individuals do White Water Rafting to break the monotony of their lifestyle. This is an invigorating way to ease stress. An extreme outdoor activity set in a different environment totally provides a break for those who regularly face negative stresses. Breathtaking sceneries alone are a feast to the eyes.

Families, friends, and colleagues opt this activity to draw them closer together through joint effort and team fun. A good way to foster camaraderie between and among friends, Rafting provides exciting team building opportunities which are fun and dynamic.

With determined approach of the tourism and Youth and Sports departments, the White Water Rafting can be exploited and it will definitely become an important attraction to Arunachal Tourism. With several mighty rivers spread all over the State, it has huge potential. The Sadbhawna Rafting programme, an initiative of Raj Bhavan is sure to become a stepping step in this direction.

Sd/- O.TAYENG, APRO