River rafting, one of the most popular tourist activities in Rishikesh, has been indefinitely suspended by local authorities due to heavy rainfall in the last two days. The downpour has led to a rise in the water level of the River Ganga, which can be considered dangerous for thrill-seekers. Here’s what you should know.
River Rafting Suspended In Rishikesh
River rafting is one of the main reasons why people visit Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. It is an adventure activity where a group of people sit in a rubber boat and use paddles to navigate through rough, bumpy and fast-moving waters of the River Ganga. According to Hindustan Times, the activity has been halted indefinitely after the region received continuous rainfall for two days.
The water level of the Ganga River has risen to a dangerous height of 339.50 metres. It is flowing too fast and too high, which could make rafting unsafe for tourists. Not just rafting, but all related activities have been stopped in the Ganga River at Muni-ki-Reti until further orders.
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Here’s What You Can Do Instead
According to Hindustan Times, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Jal Police personnel have also cautioned people against going near the river and riverbed areas as there is a high risk of slips and falls. River rafting in Rishikesh may resume after the weather improves and the river level gets back to a safer level.
The authorities will soon assess weather conditions, the monsoon forecast, the Ganga’s water level and the weather forecast for the next week before deciding. River rafting operators, the rafting association and stakeholders are directed to strictly follow the order.
So, if you are planning to visit Rishikesh for river rafting, make sure to keep this in mind. Instead of adventurous sports, you can explore ghats, temples, and cafes in Rishikesh. You can also spend some quiet time in Rishikesh and soak in the spiritual vibes!
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We think it’s a great decision to stop this activity amid heavy rains for everyone’s safety.
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