Kullu: The district administration here has imposed a temporary ban on adventure activities, including paragliding, river crossing and river rafting, for two months, even as the monsoon has weakened in Himachal Pradesh and is likely to reactivate from July 18 onwards.Rohit Sharma, district tourism development officer, Kullu, said on Wednesday that the ban would remain in force from July 15 to Sept 15.“The decision was taken in view of the monsoon as the risk in conducting water sports and paragliding activities increases due to heavy rainfall and unsuitable weather. The ban, which is imposed annually, will remain in force for two months till the weather conditions improve. If anyone is found violating the ban, strict action will be taken,” said Sharma.With the ban coming into effect immediately, all activities have come to a halt at the six established paragliding sites and three rafting points in the Kullu valley.The Kangra administration also imposed a two-month ban on all paragliding activities in the district on Wednesday.The Meteorological Centre, Shimla, on Wednesday informed that since July 12, the monsoon has weakened in the state.“After landing in Himachal on July 1, the monsoon remained active initially but has lost a bit of steam since July 12. However, the monsoon is likely to get active from July 18 onwards. It will remain active till July 22, during which intermittent rainfall is expected in all the districts of the state,” said Shobhit Katiyar, director, Meteorological Centre, Shimla.“The mid hills and the neighbouring plains of the state, including Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur, Una and Bilaspur are likely to get heavy rainfall during this period,” said Katiyar.According to the weather department, the state recorded an average rainfall of 124.1 mm between July 1 and 15, which is 12% more than the normal of 110.4 mm.Sirmaur district tops in the state with the highest rainfall of 281.5 mm during this period, followed by Solan (243.1 mm), Kangra (209.8 mm), Una (185.3 mm), Shimla (154.8 mm), Kullu (143.5 mm), Mandi (142.7 mm), Chamba (127.4 mm), Bilaspur (102.1 mm), Hamirpur (85.2 mm) and Kinnaur (61.9 mm).Lahaul-Spiti recorded the lowest rainfall of 40.7 mm.MSID:: 132414582 413 |
