New regulations in place for river rafting operators

Madikeri: Kodagu additional deputy commissioner Sahana S Hadimani has directed river rafting operators in Dubare and Barapole to mandatorily obtain raft fitness certificates from the General Thimayya Rashtriya Adventure Academy (GETHNAA) and secure licences from the tourism department.

The directive was issued at a recent River Rafting Management and Supervision Committee meeting held at the DC office.

Emphasising tourist safety, Hadimani said raft guides must undergo training through GETHNAA and the department of youth empowerment and sports.

The district administration also insisted on basic amenities at rafting sites, including drinking water, toilets and vehicle parking, and stressed that tourists should not face inconvenience.

Under the Comprehensive Tribal Development Plan, officials were directed to provide rafting equipment to scheduled tribe youth and members of the Jenu Kuruba community in consultation with the ITDP department.

Deputy director of tourism Shashidhar said there are 55 raft owners in Dubare and four in Barapole. Last year, licences were issued to 46 operators in Dubare and four in Barapole. They have submitted fitness reports for licence renewal this year.

He added that two applicants had sought permission for still-water rafting and kayaking in the Kumaradhara River at Kumaralli (Beedalli) in Somwarpet taluk, proposing four rafts and four kayaks each. However, permission was denied due to the lack of basic facilities.

Under the Karnataka Tourism Policy 2024–29, kayaking is being promoted, and 16 applications have been received across Kodagu. The Karnataka Lake Conservation and Development Authority has also cleared tenders for two years for boating, kayaking and canoeing at Honnammana Lake in Somwarpet.

Dubare River Rafting Association secretary Vasantha urged authorities to issue fitness certificates and guide licences by the end of May.