Boat operator’s body fished out
Irfan Tramboo
Pahalgam, June 1: The rafting agency boat which capsized in river Lidder in Pahalgam on Friday leading to death of operator was among several rafting agencies that are operating in the area without the permission of Tourism department.
The rafting point named as “Dar Camping and Adventure” along with several others were functioning without department’s knowledge. The fact was brought to the limelight by the notice that was served by the Tourism department to the operators functioning in violation of norms, apart from not seeking the requisite permission from the department.
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The notice issued last month clearly mentioned that more than 10 rafting agencies along Dar Camping and Adventure 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 says: “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 pointed 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 the adventure tourism. After the RTI, the registration of two such agencies was canceled owing to the fact that 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 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 said 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.
Assistant Director Tourism, Pahalgam Zahida Parveen, however, told Excelsior that Dar Camping and Adventure was duly working in accordance with the permission from the department. She also negated the allegation that the boat ventured out after 6 pm.
“It was duly under permission and was registered with us, the notice was regarding something called royalty which they have to pay to the department; there is no point of letting them venture out late in the evening; the incident itself occurred at around 6:45,” she said.
Moreover, she could not justify a line in the notice that mentioned rafting agencies were functioning without letting the department know, which included Dar Camping and Adventure, the boat of which capsized in Lidder, resulting in the death of the guide and the person who was operating the boat, Rouf Ahmad Dar.
Meanwhile, Governor Satya Pal Malik has saluted the bravery of tourist guide Rouf Ahmad Dar, who yesterday lost his life while rescuing tourists from the Lidder river in Pahalgam. He described Rouf as a real life hero who sacrificed his life for saving lives of others.
He prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family in its hour of grief.
Honouring the exemplary display of selfless action, the Governor has announced financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh for the family of Rouf.
Advisor to Governor, Khurshid Ahmed Ganai, has also hailed the valour and self-sacrifice of Rouf Ahmad Dar.
In a statement, Ganai, who is also incharge of the Tourism Department, said the sacrifice of Rouf Ahmad Dar was yet another example of how much the people of Kashmir care for their tourists. “Without caring for his own life, Rouf braved strong currents of river Lidder to save five tourists from drowning. It was the ultimate sacrifice one can offer,” he added.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, Khalid Jahangir has released Rs 4 lakh ex-gratia relief in favour of the next of the kin of Dar.
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