Himachal Pradesh High Court Decision Follows Scrutiny of Safety Regulations in River Sports; Weather Alerts Issued for Adverse Conditions
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Kullu district to establish an upper age limit for individuals participating in adventurous sports such as kayaking and river rafting. Additionally, the court, presided over by Justice MS Ramachandra Rao and Jyotsna Rewal Dua, emphasized the necessity of senior citizens obtaining a “fitness certificate” before engaging in such activities.
In its ruling, the court underscored the importance of setting an upper age limit and requiring senior citizens to produce a fitness certificate prior to participating in kayaking and related river sports.
This decision follows the High Court’s scrutiny in November 2023 of safety regulations pertaining to river rafting and other adventurous sports. During that examination, the court identified deficiencies in safety protocols and noted violations of Rule 11(b) of the Himachal Pradesh River Rafting Rules, 2005 by rafting operators. The rule stipulates that operators must possess either two rescue rafts or a combination of one raft and a kayak.
The recent ruling builds upon past directives from the court, with a focus on enhancing safety measures in river sports, particularly following the unfortunate death of a 65-year-old tourist.
The court has scheduled the matter for further consideration on July 18.
In unrelated news, adverse weather conditions led to the closure of 112 roads in Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday. According to the Shimla Meteorological Centre, areas like Hansa and Koksar in tribal Lahaul and Spiti received 5 cm and 2 cm of snowfall, respectively.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for the state, warning of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, hail, and gusty winds with speeds of 30-40 km per hour in isolated areas on Friday. This alert coincides with the anticipated impact of a fresh western disturbance expected to affect northwest India starting Thursday.
The weather office also forecasts a wet spell in Himachal Pradesh until April 21, except for Wednesday.
