River rafting operators in Kodagu told to renew licence, obtain fitness certificate
This decision was taken during a meeting of the River Rafting Management and Monitoring Committee, held at the Harangi reservoir near Kushalnagar on Friday.
Madikeri MLA Mantar Gowda emphasised the importance of enforcing strict safety protocols, especially during the monsoon season, when tourist footfall goes up.
River rafting operators have to secure fitness certification for their rafts from the General Thimayya National Academy of Adventure (GETHNAA), and police verification is mandatory, he said.
Mr. Gowda said no rafting operation would be permitted without valid, annually renewed certificates, and that life jackets are mandatory. All guides must undergo skill assessments and wear uniforms while on duty, he said.
To promote tourism, Mr. Gowda also proposed installing signboards at important junctions such as Bilkere, Hunsur-Gonikoppal junction, and near Siddapura on Periyapatna Road.
'Tourist safety is non-negotiable. One mishap could severely damage Kodagu's tourism image,' said Deputy Commissioner Venkataraja. He said that all operators must undergo training and get certification through GETHNAA to ensure quality and safety in water-based adventure activities.
In view of the growing number of tourists visiting Kodagu for river rafting, the committee approved major infrastructure upgrades such as shelters at ticket counters, stair railings for river access, changing rooms and restrooms, benches, drinking water facilities, informative signage and CCTV surveillance.
Tourism Department Deputy Director Anita Bhaskar said 75 rafts currently operate in Dubare and 24 in Barapole. Under the Karnataka Tourism Policy 2024–29, 11 applications for kayaking licences have been received for operation along the Hemavathi and Cauvery riverbanks, as well as Harangi backwaters.
The committee said feasibility reports for these locations will be studied before granting approvals.
Meanwhile, rafting has been permitted at Kumaralli (Bidalli) in Somwarpet taluk, though commercial activity has not yet begun. A final site inspection is awaited.
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