River rafting resumes in Kullu, stakeholders upbeat

Abhinav Vashisht
Kullu, JUNE 22

People involved in adventure tourism have heaved a sigh of relief as activities have resumed in Kullu after about 18 months. Rafting hotspots at Raison, Babeli, Bashing, Pirdi, Bhuntar and Bajaura have started seeing enthusiasts again.

During the peak season, around 550 rafts operate at these locations. So far, only around 300 rafts are being used, but stakeholders are hopeful that their business will improve in the coming days with the increase in tourist footfall.

About 5,000 persons are directly or indirectly linked with adventure tourism. These activities provide income to raft operators, paraglider pilots, guides, helpers, taxi operators, jeep operators, eateries, tea stalls and street vendors.

Paragliding, too, has started at Solang Nullah, Marhi and Dobhi. Both rafting and paragliding are carried out in Kullu throughout the year, except for two months during the rainy season from July 15 to September 15.

Shyam Attri, president, Kullu River Rafting Association, said there had been no business for the past 18 months. He said about 40 per cent of the raft operators had resumed operations. He said business had not picked up yet due to less tourist arrival but it was expected to be back on track as the tourist influx had started gaining pace.

As many fatal accidents have occurred during adventure activities in the past, the government and the Tourism Department have enforced strict norms to carry out these activities. The Tourism Department provides licences to the guides conducting rafting and the pilots of paragliders. The department also carries out periodic inspections of the fitness of guides and pilots, besides checking rafts, paragliders and other equipment to ensure the safety of revellers.

Despite the vigil, operators sometimes give a go-by to norms like ensuring a rescue team and adhering to restricted hours. At times, they do not hesitate in using over-used equipment, endangering lives of enthusiasts. Action is taken against operators in case an accident occurs due to negligence.