The Himachal Pradesh High Court has observed that an upper age limit to be fixed to persons who are intending to do kayaking or associated river sports and also to prescribe the necessity of senior citizens participating in such activities producing a Fitness Certificate.
The Division Bench comprising Chief Justice M.S Ramachandra Rao and Jyotsna Rewal Dua have perused the status report filed by the Deputy Commissioner, District Kullu with regard to the measures being taken to avoid fatal accidents.
The Court noted that in the minutes of the meeting of the Regulatory Committee held on 17.06.2023, there is a reference to addition of Members of the Health Department in the Monitoring/Flying Squad.
The unfortunate incident where one tourist died, indicates that the deceased was a person aged about 65 years.
“It is desirable to fix upper age limit to persons who are intending to do kayaking or associated river sports and also to prescribe the necessity of senior citizens participating in such activities producing a Fitness Certificate. The desirability of having capability to swim may also be required to be prescribed.”
The Court directed the Deputy Commissioner, Kullu to examine this aspect and make appropriate recommendations in that regard to be implemented for such activities.
The Court listed the matter on 18.07.2024 for further consideration.