Kullu: Taking preventive measures, the Kullu administration has banned river rafting in Beas for the monsoon period from 3rd July as the water flows are known to rise rapidly in the rainy season. The ban has left many tourists and raft operators disappointed.
Though the Beas river plays an important role in enhancing the beautiful scenario of the valley and in the economy of the region, for during summers tourists do come here and enjoy river rafting, something that directly provides self employment opportunities to many local youths.
Where both tourists and locals equally in love with Beas and it’s beautiful waves, but the same river sometimes, especially in rainy season, turns furious and is known to take lives of innocent people too. To avert such tragedies the district administration today announced a ban on rafting from 3rd of July till the end of monsoons.
Kullu deputy commissioner Hans Raj Chauhan directed the administration staff and officers to keep a watch that river rafting activities were not conducted during the monsoon period. He also appealed to all river raft operators to adhere to the administrations orders, and stern action would be taken against those who violated them.
He also asked people living along the riverside to vacate such places so that they don’t put their lives to any risks.
Shyam Chand, president of district river rafting association refused to comment on the ban, when contacted by Hill Post.
Ankit and Puja, tourist from Delhi expressed their disappointment when they learn’t about the rafting ban. Puja said, “ most tourists come here to get some relief from the scorching heat of the plains and river rafting is one thrill packed activity that the do enjoy and look forward to. Banning it will definitely leave many of us disappointed.”
A theater artist, a script writer and a TV anchor, news is something that grips Renuka. She lives in Kullu.
