Now Reading: Rishikesh river rafting halted as Ganga water level rises
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Rishikesh river rafting halted as Ganga water level rises
River rafting on the Ganga in Rishikesh has been suspended indefinitely after two days of continuous rainfall raised the water level to 339.50 metres. The Tehri Garhwal district tourism and adventure officer…
River rafting on the Ganga in Rishikesh has been suspended indefinitely after two days of continuous rainfall raised the water level to 339.50 metres. The Tehri Garhwal district tourism and adventure officer said the ban would remain until weather improves, the monsoon forecast is assessed and the river recedes to a safer level. The State Disaster Response Force and Jal Police have warned residents, pilgrims and tourists to stay away from ghats and riverbeds.
The suspension comes just days after rafting resumed on September 23 following the annual monsoon break that began on July 1. A lodge operator in Tapovan said dozens of bookings have been cancelled and many visitors have left hotels as the forecast predicts more rain. Rafting operates on stretches ranging from 5 km to 30 km across Tehri Garhwal, Pauri Garhwal and Dehradun districts.
Indian Opinion Analysis
Rafting on the Ganga in Uttarakhand is typically closed from July 1 to mid-September during the monsoon, when the river swells and becomes unsafe. This year the break stretched a few extra days, so the new suspension so soon after resumption is unusually disruptive for the local tourism economy. Rishikesh is India's rafting capital, drawing thousands of domestic and international adventure tourists each season. The district administration decides on re-opening based on water level readings and IMD weather bulletins. With the monsoon withdrawing late in the Garhwal hills this year, the next assessment will likely come after the forecast for the coming week clears.
Source: hindustantimes.com
This brief was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
