Namchi, February 13: he Advanced River Rafting and Search and Rescue Course was inaugurated today at the Rangeet River in Namchi district under the Sikkim INSPIRES initiative.
The 15-day training programme is being organised by the Institute of Hospitality and Culinary Arts & Entrepreneurship (IHCAE), Chemchey, under the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department. The course aims to enhance participants’ expertise in advanced rafting techniques, swift-water rescue operations, safety protocols and emergency response systems. The training is being conducted by qualified instructors, ensuring strict adherence to safety and operational standards.
 |
| Participants of the Advanced River Rafting and Search & Rescue Course pose at Rangeet River, Namchi, under Sikkim INSPIRES initiative. (Image: DIO Namchi) |
Seventeen participants - 16 male and one female - from different parts of the State are attending the programme. Present at the inaugural event were Deputy Director (DTO) Namchi Ms Lamin Theeng, Deputy Director (Adventure) Mr Manoj Chettri, along with instructors and staff of DTO Namchi.
Addressing the gathering, Ms Lamin Theeng said the course goes beyond skill development and represents a journey of adventure, self-discovery and growth. She highlighted that river rafting promotes courage, teamwork, discipline and leadership while maintaining safety as the top priority. She expressed gratitude to IHCAE Principal Mr Kazi Sherpa and the organising team for their guidance and dedication, and formally declared the course open.
Mr Manoj Chettri welcomed the participants and encouraged them to make full use of the opportunity to strengthen their skills. He assured that the State Government remains committed to supporting such initiatives and maintaining high standards of training and safety.
ALSO READ: Sikkim INSPIRES Review Meeting Held Under CM Prem Singh Tamang
Officials informed that the first phase of the Basic Course was successfully conducted at ABVIMAS, Manali, Himachal Pradesh. The second phase of the River Rafting Level III and IV training is being held from February 13 to 22 along the rafting stretch from Sikip to the Dans Energy Dam at Sisney on the Rangeet River. The final phase will take place from February 23 to 27 on the Teesta River, covering the Bardang–Mamring stretch below the Wai Wai Factory.
The initiative reflects the State Government’s continued efforts to promote adventure tourism and build skilled manpower under the Sikkim INSPIRES programme.
