Rishikesh: After a 23-day delay, river rafting operations in Uttarakhand have resumed today, on Monday. Initially scheduled to restart on September 1, the operations were postponed due to the swollen Ganga River amid monsoon season.
The delay continued until the water levels in the Ganga returned to normal. Now, the tourists may enjoy this adventure sport at Bramha Puri and Marine drive in Rishikesh where hundreds of tourists come for rafting every day. There is a wave of happiness among businessmen associated with rafting activities.
Operations were delayed by 23 days
On June 30, river rafting operations were stopped due to heavy rains and rising water level in the river. During this time, business activities had come to a standstill, due to which rafting businessmen and guides suffered financial losses. Now after about two and a half months, rafting operations are being started once again due to the decrease in the water level.
Rishikesh offers river rafting between September and June
A popular white-water rafting destination, Rishikesh in Uttarakhand, offers river rafting between September and June with the best time in summer months when water levels are higher in River Ganga. During monsoons, when the water level rises in the river and water becomes muddy, the state tourism department stops rafting operations for two months in July and August in view of tourists’ safety. Usually, it resumes on 1 September every year, but the wait this year became longer as the water level in Ganga remained on a higher side.
Rafting resumed only at a few places
As per the reiki done by the state tourism department, the water levels haven’t receded at all the rafting points. So, the permission has been given for limited places. Adventure Sports Officer Jaspal Chauhan mentioned that rafting is currently permitted from Marine Drive to Shivpuri and from Brahmpuri to Ramjhula. However, due to high water levels in certain areas, operations have not yet started at other rafting points like Club House and Kaudiala. These points will be opened for tourists as the water levels recede.
Enthusiasm among businessmen and tourists
There is a wave of happiness among the local businessmen and rafting enthusiasts after the resumption of this adventure water sport. According to the people associated with the rafting business, this resumption of rafting operations will not only boost their business but will also provide ample employment opportunities for local guides and staff. Rafting bookings have started both online and offline and tourists have already started bookings for rafting experience.
Boost to Tourism Industry
The rafting activities amply affect the local economy in the Rishikesh and surrounding areas. This sport activity not only benefits rafting businesses but also boosts related sectors such as regional hotels, Dharamshalas, and transport services. Thousands of tourists visit Rishikesh and its surrounding areas for river rafting every year, thereby strengthening the local economy.
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