DEHRADUN: For the first time after 2013 flash floods, an international kayaking competition, ‘Wild Water Week’, was held on Mandakini river in Chanderapuri area of Rudraprayag last week. The winners of the contest were felicitated on Sunday.Manoj Rawat, Kedarnath MLA and secretary of Uttarakhand Kayaking, Canoeing and Rafting Association, said, “Mandakini river, which led to a disaster in 2013, will now contribute to development. After the floods, rivers were filled with debris and human bodies, but after four long years, these water bodies are ready for kayaking and other sports. I have written to the tourism secretary to conduct a survey of the river to determine whether we can allow professional rafting here. ” A couple of events were also held on Alaknanda and Madhu Ganga rivers.Rudraprayag district magistrate Mangesh Ghildiyal said that adventure sports not only boost revenue and job creation, but also help in preparing local youths to contribute in rescue operations in case of a disaster. The week-long competition, which was attended by 22 people from several countries like Russia and Czech Republic, also saw local youths working as kayaking guides Switzerland, Norway and Iceland return to their home state for the event.Ayodhya Prasad from Maletha village in Uttarkashi works as kayaking guide in Switzerland. Similarly, Pramod Magar, originally from Shivpuri, has taken up the same profession in Iceland, while Ashu Rawat from Rishikesh is also a kayaking guide in Norway.“I began rafting and kayaking in Shivpuri, which is the hub of these activities in Rishikesh. After a few years, I joined an Iceland-based kayaking company after getting in touch with its owner who had come here to enjoy water sports. Seven years in Iceland have changed my life,” said Pramod Magar.Ayodhya Prasad, who had gone to Rishikesh to become a priest, was mesmerized by rafting and took to the sport instantly. “The owner of my company shifted operations to Switzerland and took me along. Now, I am encouraging youths of my village to take up adventure sports professionally,” he said.Shalabh Gehlaut, one of the organisers, said, “There are around 50 youths from Uttarakhand who have moved abroad and are working there as rafting, canoeing and kayaking guides. They have set a trend which is being followed by youngsters in the state.”

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