Ganga Swells Near Danger Mark, Rishikesh Halts River Rafting Amid Safety Concerns

In response to rising water levels in the Ganga River, authorities in Rishikesh have suspended all river rafting activities until further notice. The move comes as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of tourists and locals, with the river inching dangerously close to the warning level following continuous rainfall in the upper Himalayan region.

 

Public Safety Measures And Activity Suspension

 

* The Tehri district administration has officially halted rafting operations along popular stretches of the Ganga

* The suspension affects all licensed operators offering white-water rafting from Shivpuri to Rishikesh

* Tourist agencies and rafting companies have been informed to cancel current bookings and temporarily shut down river-based operations

* Officials are closely monitoring water levels and weather conditions before any resumption decision is made

 

Hydrological Situation And River Levels

 

* The Ganga's water level has risen sharply due to persistent rainfall in Uttarakhand's upper catchment areas

* As of the latest readings, the river is nearing the warning level set by the Central Water Commission

* Flow velocity and turbulence have increased significantly, posing risks to both professional rafters and tourists

* Flash flood warnings have been issued in low-lying areas along the riverbanks

 

Impact On Tourism And Local Economy

 

* The suspension of rafting, a peak-season attraction, is expected to impact tourism revenue in Rishikesh

* Local hotels, adventure camps, and travel operators are reporting cancellations and booking slowdowns

* Authorities have advised tourists to avoid venturing close to the river or into flood-prone zones until further updates

* Police and SDRF teams have been deployed in the area to enforce safety protocols and manage crowd movement

 

Administrative Preparedness And Next Steps

 

* The Uttarakhand Disaster Management Authority (USDMA) is coordinating with local agencies for round-the-clock monitoring

* Water discharge updates from upstream dams like Tehri and rainfall projections are being reviewed to assess further flood risk

* Decisions regarding reopening rafting services will depend on a drop in river levels and clearance from district officials

 

About Rishikesh

Rishikesh, a spiritual and adventure tourism hub on the banks of the Ganga, draws thousands of thrill-seekers every year for river rafting, yoga retreats, and nature escapades. It plays a vital role in Uttarakhand’s tourism economy.

 

Sources: Hindustan Times, ANI, India Today, The Hindu, Times of India, NDTV, Central Water Commission