The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) has finally announced that rafting in the Teesta River will resume following a five-month break. This announcement has been highly anticipated. Since October 4 of last year, this exciting adventure sport—which is well-liked by tourists and adventure seekers alike—has been suspended due to a catastrophic flash flood that caused havoc along the river’s course.
Rafting Returns To Teesta River
The natural disaster affected the raft launch sites, making them inaccessible, in addition to disrupting the rafting flow. But with the recent decision to start rafting again, adventure tourism is expected to boom in the area.
Assistant Director of Tourism Satyaprakash Chhetri of the GTA shared that the adventure will last until the arrival of the monsoon on June 15th. According to The Telegraph, the state forest department and the Kalimpong district administration, among other pertinent authorities, were consulted and comprehensive assessments were made before this decision was made.
The river’s high water level after the flash flood and the possibility of explosives washed away from Sikkim army camps were the main causes of the rafting suspension. But now that safety precautions are in place and the water level is dropping, the authorities believe it is safe to bring this thrilling activity back.
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Bringing Joy To Adventure Seekers
As the private operators in the region are represented by the Teesta Rangeet River Rafters’ Welfare Association, they are relieved that rafting operations have resumed. The president of the association, Pramod Chhetri, emphasised the struggles endured by individuals who rely on this adventurous activity and voiced hope for recovery in the upcoming months.
According to The Telegraph, there are now two different routes that rafters can take on the Teesta River: one goes from Bhalukhola to Laburbote (3.5km) and the other from the Seventh Mile to Laburbote (7km). Five people can ride in each raft, with a guide and an assistant for company. To be divided among the passengers, the price structure has been set at ₹4,000 for the first trip and ₹5,000 for the second.
Resuming rafting in the Teesta River promises to be an exciting experience for both tourists and locals, with safety precautions in place and the thrill of adventure calling.
This is a positive step towards revitalising the region’s tourism.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva
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