The Tribune Impact: Unauthorised adventure sport activities halted

Hamirpur, August 31

All adventure and water sport activities that were being conducted in the Gobind Sagar lake in Bilaspur district despite a ban imposed by the state government were stopped by the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department today.

The Tribune had highlighted the issue in these columns yesterday. Pertinent to mention that the Tourism Department issues licences, besides other permissions for adventure and water sports after completing statuary formalities.

The department has to ensure the quality of equipment used for such activities, besides making provisions for the safety and security of operators and tourists taking up the adventure sports in the state.

It was learnt that the operators were conducting the adventure sports activities in the Gobind Sagar lake in violation of the rules. They had started using speed boats and steamers and were planning to start parasailing and other similar activities near the Bharari bridge up to Bilaspur town.

Manoj Kumar, Deputy Director, Tourism and Civil Aviation, said the water sports activities were stopped in the Gobind Sagar lake. He added that the operators had not even applied for the permission for undertaking the adventure sports activities.

The official said a notice was served on the operators and they were advised to apply for permission, as per the government rules. However, he added, no permission could be granted for adventure and water sports activity during restricted period between July 15 and September 15.