The ban on
paragliding
,
rafting
and other water sports by the
Uttarakhand
High Court has left water sports enthusiasts across the country disappointed. And for Noida’s water sport enthusiasts, this comes as a big blow as
Rishikesh and other parts of Uttarakhand have been the go-to destination for city’s adventure jukies. So Noidawallahs, who have been so far visiting Uttarakhand for adventure sports, have started looking for alternatives. From
Orchha
, McLeodganj to Kasol, travel enthusiasts have started looking for places where they can raft.
After the ban, Noida’s water sports enthusiasts head to Kasol, OrchhaNoida residents say that due to Rishikesh’s relative proximity to west UP and NCR, it was the ideal getaway location for those seeking for something adventurous closer home. Kush Nagpal, a software engineer from Noida, says, “Going to Rishikesh for rafting was like an annual pilgrimage for us friends. There might have been only one or two years in the last eight when we haven’t gone there. But it’s so disappointing now that we won’t be able to go there again. It’s so close from Noida and doesn’t require a week’s leave. Now, I’m looking at other alternatives like McLeodganj or Kasol.”
A few residents say they already had plans, which they had to cancel due to the new ruling. Rashi Sharma, a Sector 120 resident, tells us, “I had plans to go later this year to Rishikesh but those plans are ruined now. I have been there a few times but for my younger brother – who is 19 – it would have been his first visit. I’m so disappointed he won’t get that chance now.”
Ankita Tyagi, a resident of Sector 57 and a travel enthusiast, says, “My husband and I love river rafting and Rishikesh is one of the nearest options to Noida, so we would often plan weekend getaways to Rishikesh. However, now with the ban, we will plan more trips to places like Orchha in Madhya Pradesh for rafting. Rafting in river Betwa there is a great experience.”
Some people are even looking at options down south. Jini K Jose, a resident of Sector 137, says, “With the ban, we will now have to look at other options like Coorg. Apart from enjoying at the coffee plantations there, rafting in the turbulent waters of Barapole river is a very enjoyable experience. Due to the proximity of Rishikesh to Noida, it was an easy option for rafting enthusiasts but now, we will have to look at other destinations.”
The ban has severely affected rafting companies in Rishikesh
After the water sports ban in Rishikesh, rafting enthusiasts are heading to Manali, Orchha and even Coorg
‘We cancelled our trip to Rishikesh after the ban was announced'Many people, who were planning a trip to Rishikesh, cancelled their plans after the ban. Deepak Parihar, a student of management, who was planning a rafting trip to Rishikesh, says, “I have gone for rafting a couple of times in Rishikesh and this time I was planning to go again with my friends. Our university exams have just concluded, so we were thinking to take some time off and go to Rishikesh. But this ban has ruined our plans.”
Footfall has significantly reduced after the ban: Rafting company ownersThe ban, which has come at a time that used to be the peak season, has severely affected the business of rafting companies in Rishikesh. Bheem Singh Chauhan, owner of White World Expeditions in Rishikesh, says, “The banning of water sports, particular rafting, has really hit us. It is the peak season for us, but this time all hotels and camps are vacant. Most of the adventure companies – there are more than 300 such companies in Rishikesh – have been affected due to this ban. Tourists are now heading to Leh-Ladakh and Kullu-Manali for rafting. The tourism industry in the area has never been so badly affected.”
Uday Rawat, owner of Outbound Adventure in Rishikesh, says, “The ban on water sports has hampered our business. Tourists have stopped coming and many of the adventure enthusiasts have started heading to alternate rafting destinations like Manali,
Leh
and other destinations.”
The ban has severely affected rafting companies in Rishikesh
The ban has severely affected rafting companies in Rishikesh
‘There should be a total ban on unauthorised rafting companies’ While business has been affected, many travel owners of travel companies believe that when it comes to unauthorised rafting companies, the law must be strict. Arjun Kotiyal, owner of Trek Destinations in
Dehradun
, says, “There is a substantial reduction in the number of tourists visiting Rishikesh and due to this our business has gone down by 70%. Though I am feeling the pinch, I also feel that imposing this ban was necessary. The number of rafting accidents has been increasing, thanks to non-licensed guides and unauthorised rafting companies. I believe this ban should continue until a new law is implemented, banning all unauthorised rafting companies.”
— Taresh Dutta
With inputs from Abhimanyu.Mathur@timesgroup.com and Aditi.Pancholi@timesgroup.com