The much acclaimed Nehru trophy boat race, which attracts hordes of tourists every year, has been postponed yet again. This is due to the consistent heavy downpour that has wreaked havoc all through the state. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race has been enjoying a legendary status for quite some time and is considered one of the biggest water sport events in the country. The race is named after former Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru to commemorate his first visit to the district of Alappuzha and his first boat ride.
The Nehru Trophy Boat Race which was scheduled for August 10, 2019 has been postponed along with the inaugural Champions Boat League. In the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race which takes place in Alappuzha , Chundan Vallams (snake boats) compete in the Punnamada lake for a prize money of Rs 5.9 crores. The Pulinkunnu boat race which is the second largest race in the league is also likely to be rescheduled. Veteran cricketer, Sachin Tendulkar was expected to be the guest of honour of the boating event.
According to Firstpost, a statement by the Kerala chief minister Mr. Pinarayi Vijayan confirmed the postponement of the event. He said &ldquoDue to incessant rainfall, the government has decided to postpone the 67th edition of the boat race&rdquo. The state government had spent around Rs 40 crores on the event and had set aside almost Rs 6 crores as prize money.
 Last year, the torrential rains pushed the race to November. The government has now issued orange alert for 6 districts in Kerala including Kozhikode, Kasargod, Kannur, Wayanad, Malappura and Idukki. Though Cochin airport has recently resumed operations, flood related causalities still remain on the rise.
