Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 20:Government today ordered the suspension of rafting related activities at all tourist destinations in Kashmir till a proper mechanism and technical guidance are put in place.
The Department of Tourism issued an order today evening regarding the suspension of rafting related activities at all tourist destinations particularly at Pahalgam and Sonamarg. “In the interest of administration and the safety of tourists rafting related activities at all tourist destinations particularly at Pahalgam and Sonamarg will remain suspended till a proper mechanism/ technical guidance is put in place at all such locations,” the order said.
At least three persons died in two different boats capsize incidents in the river Lidder in Pahalgam in last one month. The first incident took place on 2nd June when a rafting boat capsized leading to the death of the operator. In the second incident on 17th June, two persons including an employee of the Tourism department were killed after a rafting boat capsized. In addition, the incidents left a dozen people injured.
Following the first incident, the Excelsior highlighted that several rafting agencies are operating in the area without the permission of Tourism department.
The issue was brought forth by a notice issued on 14th May that clearly mentioned that more than 10 rafting agencies were functioning without informing the office of the Assistant Director Pahalgam. “Whereas you have been found operating commercial rafting without informing this office,” the notice said.
It further said: “You are required to explain your position in writing as to why operation of commercial rafting was starting without informing this office within 3 days…” The notice, issued on May 14, also points to the fact that the mentioned rafting agencies had not submitted their fresh insurance copy for the year 2019-20, which is again the violation of the guidelines.
In 2016, an RTI reply has revealed that there were 21 such agencies that were associated with adventure tourism. After the RTI, the registration of 2 such agencies was canceled owing to the fact owners turned out to be government employees. Out of 19, at least 5 such agencies could not keep up with the latest guidelines that were framed by the Tourism department and thus, they were plucked out.
An official told Excelsior that various such rafting agencies that lacked the basic documentation and the compliance of the set guidelines framed by the department are still operating.
Those familiar with rafting in the area told Excelsior that the authorities allowed the ill-fated boat to raft in the evening and even when the surroundings were windy.
“There is apparently, no one to keep a check on when to allow the boat to venture out and when not to; the boat that met with the incident was allowed to venture out amid gushy winds-the fact that might have played a role in the incident,” the locals said.
Reacting to the report, the Tourism Department ordered an inquiry into the matter and suspended the rafting.
Governor Satya Pal Malik also passed the direction that strict safety measures should be taken before indulging in this sport and emphasized the need for allowing only trained manpower in managing all the activities related to it.
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