Survey begins for ₹100-crore rafting hub in Rishikesh

A survey has begun for the construction of a state-of-the-art rafting base station in Rishikesh, which will be built at an estimated cost of ₹100 crore, officials familiar with the matter said on Wednesday.

- HT Correspondent

DEHRADUN/HARIDWAR:

Adventure sports officer Tehri Garhwal, Jaspal Chauhan said, "The survey has begun for the project. It will streamline the rafting activities, providing a much better experience to the tourists and a boost to the local economy."

Till November this year, 346,000 people have taken part in rafting in Rishikesh, he said, adding that the project will boost annual numbers. In 2023, 409,000 people arrived in Rishikesh for rafting and 449,000 the year before, he said.

"The peak season is from April to June as most tourists come for rafting in Rishikesh during these months when temperatures rise across the country," he added.

A record number of tourists also result in violating of the rafting guidelines like ferrying more people on the rafting boat than stipulated eight people per raft, illegally plying of rafts after dusk and before dawn, and laxity in adhering to safety measures. Also not wearing protective gear properly and taking selfies, and pictures mid-way during rafting. Some rafting operators have also been found operating after the sunset.

According to officials, the newly proposed rafting base station aims to address these issues by establishing a centralised hub at the interstate bus terminal (ISBT) in Rishikesh, which would be equipped with essential amenities such as modern toilets, changing rooms, and food stalls, all designed to enhance the overall visitor experience. A standardised booking system would also be introduced under the project to simplify the process for rafting tourists. In addition to improving facilities, the project includes plans to alleviate traffic congestion in the Tapovan area by constructing alternative routes.