River rafting on the Ganga in Rishikesh, one of Uttarakhand’s most popular adventure tourism activities, will officially resume from September 27 after being suspended during the monsoon season. The announcement follows a successful reconnaissance run carried out by tourism officials, rafting operators and forest department representatives.
Our correspondent reports that the trial run done on Wednesday involved 10 kayaks and six rafts navigating the stretch between Marine Drive and Kharasrot. The exercise was designed to assess river conditions, safety arrangements and readiness of guides before allowing tourists back into the waters. Officials confirmed that the river flow had stabilised and conditions were suitable for the safe restart of the activity.
District Adventure Tourism Officer Jaspal Singh Chauhan said that rafting, a key driver of Rishikesh’s economy, would begin as planned on 27 September. He noted that strict adherence to safety protocols would be required from all operators. Forest officials and police will be closely monitoring activities to ensure that only licensed guides and authorised rafts are permitted on the river.
Our correspondent adds that rafting on the Ganga is suspended every year during the monsoon months as water levels rise and currents become unpredictable. The seasonal closure, while necessary for safety, often impacts local livelihoods, particularly for the hundreds of guides, support staff and small businesses that depend on adventure tourism. The resumption of rafting this month has therefore been welcomed widely by operators and hoteliers in Rishikesh.
According to industry estimates, river rafting draws thousands of visitors annually to Rishikesh, contributing significantly to both the state’s revenue and the reputation of Uttarakhand as a hub of adventure tourism. Many tourists combine rafting with camping, trekking and yoga retreats, creating a thriving ecosystem of hospitality and outdoor services.
Our correspondent reports that preparations for the new rafting season include stricter checks on equipment, compulsory use of life jackets and helmets, and refresher training for guides. Medical support teams are also being coordinated to ensure quick response in case of emergencies. Authorities emphasised that tourist safety would remain the highest priority, even as efforts are made to revive the local economy.
Our correspondent adds that environmental considerations are also part of the planning. The forest department has been tasked with ensuring that rafting operations comply with ecological safeguards. Rafting campsites must adhere to waste disposal regulations and avoid any practices that pollute the river. Officials said that sustainable adventure tourism is key to protecting the fragile Himalayan ecosystem while meeting the expectations of visitors.
The resumption date coincides with the peak festive and tourist season in Uttarakhand. Hoteliers, shopkeepers and adventure operators expect a surge in bookings, with many visitors already enquiring about packages. Local residents expressed optimism that the return of rafting would restore vibrancy to the economy after months of lull during the rains.
The state government views rafting as part of a larger strategy to strengthen Uttarakhand’s image as a global tourism destination. By ensuring transparency, safety and eco-friendliness in operations, officials hope to attract more international visitors and diversify income sources for the hill state.
With the river now calm and preparations complete, Rishikesh is set once again to welcome thrill-seekers from across India and abroad. The roar of the rapids, silenced during the monsoon, will return to the Ganga from 27 September, marking the start of another season of adventure and opportunity.
