Namchi, 13 February (IPR): The inaugural programme for the Advanced River Rafting and Search and Rescue Course commenced today, at Rangeet River in Sikkip, Namchi district under the Sikkim INSPIRES initiative.
The fifteen-day training programme is being organised by the (IHCAE), Chemchey, under the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department.
The initiative aims to strengthen participants’ expertise in advanced rafting techniques, swift-water rescue operations, safety protocols, and emergency response systems. The training is being conducted under qualified instructors, ensuring strict adherence to safety and operational standards.
Present during the inaugural programme were Deputy Director (DTO) Namchi Ms Lamin Theeng, Deputy Director (Adventure) Mr Manoj Chettri, instructors and staff of DTO Namchi, along with 17 participants — 16 male and one female — from various parts of the State.
Addressing the gathering, Ms Lamin Theeng shared that the course is not merely about acquiring advanced rafting skills, but about embarking on a journey of adventure, self-discovery, and growth. She highlighted how river rafting fosters courage, teamwork, discipline, and leadership, while always placing safety at the forefront of every activity.
She further thanked Principal IHCAE Mr Kazi Sherpa for his constant guidance and encouragement, and appreciated the dedicated efforts of the instructors and organising team. Encouraging the participants, she urged them to remain focused, strictly follow safety protocols, support one another, and fully embrace the learning opportunity. She formally declared the Advanced River Rafting Course open.
Deputy Director (Adventure) Mr Manoj Chettri warmly welcomed the participants and expressed his delight at their enthusiastic participation. He encouraged them to learn wholeheartedly from the instructors and make the most of the training.
He assured that the State Government remains fully committed to supporting such initiatives and will extend all necessary assistance to ensure quality training and safety standards. He further urged participants to stay dedicated, work collaboratively, and use the course as a platform for both skill enhancement and personal growth.
It may be mentioned that the first phase of the Basic Course was successfully conducted at the (ABVIMAS), Manali, Himachal Pradesh.
The second phase of the River Rafting Level III and IV training programme is being conducted from 13th to 22nd February along the commercially viable rafting stretch from Sikip to the Dans Energy Dam at Sisney on the Rangeet River.
Thereafter, the concluding phase of the training will be conducted on the Teesta River, covering Bardang–Mamring stretch below the Wai Wai Factory from 23rd to 27th February.
