Adventure enthusiasts can once again experience the thrill of rafting on the Ganga as the activity is set to resume from September 27 in Rishikesh. The Ganga River Rafting Management Committee has granted permission, and rafting companies have begun preparations for the new season.
Last season, spanning September to June, a total of 2,64,379 people went rafting. Under the Uttarakhand River Rafting and Kayaking Regulations, rafting is permitted from September 1 to June 30. However, dates are adjusted depending on the Ganga’s water level.
ALSO READ: Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway: Annual Pass To Cost Just Rs 15 per Trip, Traffic Relief Expected
This year, due to an early monsoon, rafting activities were temporarily suspended. After the water level of the Ganga receded to 337.50 metres, the technical committee approved the restart of rafting.
Jaspal Chauhan, Adventure Tourism Officer of Tehri district and secretary of the committee, said that representatives from the tourism and forest departments, ITBP, and rafting companies assessed the river conditions before granting permission.
Rafting will be available along multiple stretches: Kharasrot to Brahmpuri (6 km), Golf Course (8 km), Shivpuri (18 km), and Marine Drive (24 km). Permission has been granted for 576 rafts to operate between Devprayag and Munikireti.
ALSO READ: Noida News: Yamuna Authority To Auction 37 Industrial Plots On Sept 26; 528 Applications Received
Currently, 560 rafts from 263 companies are in operation, with some operating below capacity due to safety concerns. Kayaks will accompany the rafts to ensure quick rescue in case of capsizing, as the Ganga is still muddy and the risk of overturning in rapids remains.
The District Adventure Tourism Officer emphasised that kayakers will provide immediate assistance if any raft overturns, ensuring the safety of tourists on the river.