New boats to empower students in canoeing and kayaking training

District panchayat spends ₹25 lakh to buy canoes and kayaks for training

Local self-government institutions can make significant interventions to uplift the local population, Agriculture Minister P. Prasad has said.

He was inaugurating canoes and kayaks purchased by Alappuzha district panchayat to promote water sports among school students in Aryad division at Kayalchira in Alappuzha on Sunday.

Mr. Prasad said the district panchayat spent around ₹25 lakh to buy canoes and kayaks for training. “This is a project with a far-sighted vision. It proves that local self-government institutions can take the lead and play a key role in executing significant projects,” the Minister said.

Recently, the district panchayat bought 20 canoes and kayaks. Students from Government Higher Secondary School, Kalavoor and Government High School, Mannancherry will be given paddling training using the boats on Vembanad Lake.

The local body bought canoes and kayaks after several students from Aryad showed interest in paddle sports. Some of the students from the schools have participated in a national paddle sports event. A couple of students have also been selected for a training programme at the Sports Authority of India’s Water Sports Centre at Punnamada in Alappuzha.

According to R. Riyas, district panchayat member representing Aryad division, students of both schools have been undergoing canoeing and kayaking training since May 2023. The new boats will help them train more effectively and aim higher, he said.

The project is implemented in association with the Aryad block panchayat and Kayaking and Canoeing Association, Alappuzha. Two professional trainers have been appointed to provide training to students.