River rafting operations in the Ganga River in Rishikesh have been halted indefinitely following continuous rainfall over the past two days. Authorities decided to resume activities only after the weather improves and the river recedes to a safer level.
“After a two-month monsoonal break, rafting resumed with religious rituals and prayers to Ganga. The buzz had returned to Muni-ki-Reti and Rishikesh, but the sudden rainy spell has led to the cancellation of dozens of bookings. Many people have left their resorts and hotels as the weather forecast for the next two days also predicts rain and cloudy conditions,” said Sohan Singh Negi, a lodge operator in Tapovan, about 10 km from Rishikesh.
“As it is currently raining across the Garhwal division and in view of Meteorological department advisories, river rafting has been halted with immediate effect until further directives are issued. Rafting will resume only after an assessment of weather conditions, the monsoonal forecast, the Ganga’s water level and the weather forecast for next week.
All river rafting operators, the rafting association and stakeholders have been directed to strictly adhere to the order,” said Tehri Garhwal district tourism and adventure officer Sobat Singh Rana.
