Tourist’s death exposes rafting safety norms not adhered to

Dehradun, June 26

The death of an adventure tourist from Assam in Rishikesh recently has once again brought to fore the non-adherence to safety norms by rafting operators.

The stretch of the Ganga from Kaudiyala to Rishikesh is considered a big attraction for those interested in river rafting adventure sport. There have been several incidents in the past when river rafting enthusiasts have drowned in the Ganga, even while the state government is trying to promote river rafting.

The state government intends to promote rafting activity and has also decided to do away with entertainment tax on rafting business but these incidents put a question mark on the safety of rafting activity in the Ganga.

Incidents of adventure tourists drowning during rafting have taken place year after year but the administration has so far failed to check these. Barring an incident last year which got much attention, the rafting mishaps have largely been ignored.

Significantly, there are clear cut rules and guidelines to be implemented for undertaking rafting activity in Uttarakhand but on ground these rules are brazenly violated.

Rafting is no ordinary sport and it certainly involves a bit of risk, particularly when the activity is taking place in rapid white waters of the Ganga.—TNS