Rishikesh: Adventure enthusiasts’ wait can be little longer as rafting activities in Uttarakhand which was to be reopened on the first day of September after 30 June, have been postponed for some days. No preparations are being made in this concern by the tourism department due to overflowing Ganga River and its tributaries.
No green signal for rafting in September
Due to the rising water level of Ganga, the tourism department has not given the green signal for rafting in Ganga from September as it may pose risk to the tourists and adventure-seekers who visit Uttarakhand for these activities. Ganga river rafting typically takes place from September 1 to June 30. However, operations remain suspended during July and August. As of now, with only three days remaining until September, the Tourism Department has not initiated preparations for rafting due to the high-water level in the Ganga.
Ganga is in spate due to the incessant rains
Amid heavy rains across the state, the water level of Ganga has increased considerably. Seeing the present level of water, it is expected that river rafting operations will begin in the river by 15 September. If the water level of the river remains normal, a team from the tourism department will conduct a reconnaissance in Ganga.
If the water level is found suitable for rafting, the department will give the green signal for rafting operations. Jaspal Chauhan, the Adventure Tourism Sports Officer in Tehri, has stated that the water level of the Ganga River has risen recently. As a result, river rafting operations cannot commence from 1 September. The Reiki team will assess the water level, and if it remains within normal parameters, rafting operations will proceed.
Over 350 companies conducting rafting activities in Rishikesh
Uttarakhand, particularly Rishikesh, is the centre of adventure sports and people visit this state from far and wide to enjoy nature adventures. It is worth mentioning that there are about 350 rafting companies in Muni ki Reti, Tapovan, Laxman Jhula, Swargashram area. Additionally, tourists from India and abroad come here for rafting, for whom raft operators arrange rafting from places like Marine Drive, Shivpuri, Brahmapuri, Club House etc.