Uttrakhand High Court banned white river rafting, paragliding, and other water sports in Uttarakhand on Monday (June 18). The order was passed on Thursday (June 22).
The court was hearing a petition filed by Rishikesh-based social activist Hari Om Kashyap. The PIL stated that government was issuing illegal licenses to private companies to conduct water sports.
The banned on water sports would stay until a policy is framed to regulate safety.
The court stated that the government needs to fix reasonable prices for the sports, and also invite tenders.
"This can only be permitted to be managed by the highly trained professionals. The state government cannot permit the use of rivers without fixing reasonable charges," the order said.
The court stated that the government needs to fix reasonable prices for the sports, and also invite tenders.
"This can only be permitted to be managed by the highly trained professionals. The state government cannot permit the use of rivers without fixing reasonable charges," the order said.
The Court spoke about the risk of people dying if a raft capsized in the river.
According to a Hindustan Times report, the court stated, "The State Government cannot be oblivious to its duties to regulate and restrict the unauthorised activities. The white river rafting is a serious sport. Paragliding is equally dangerous if not regulated. The water sports in big lakes like Tehri Dam can prove fatal. These are required to be regulated."
The Court also added that such sports pollute the environment and ecology of the river.
"The tourism must be promoted but it is required to be regulated. The sports for pleasure cannot be permitted to end in disaster," the Court stated as it realized that no attention was being paid to the sanctity of the rivers.
Image source: Unsplash
The images used are for representational purposes only.
The Court also added that such sports pollute the environment and ecology of the river.
"The tourism must be promoted but it is required to be regulated. The sports for pleasure cannot be permitted to end in disaster," the Court stated as it realized that no attention was being paid to the sanctity of the rivers.
Image source: Unsplash
The images used are for representational purposes only.
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