The 36-kilometre stretch on the banks of Ganga, near Rishikesh, is devoid of the thousands of rafting enthusiasts, who throng the silver beaches during this time every year.
The 36-kilometre stretch on the banks of Ganga, near Rishikesh, is devoid of the thousands of rafting enthusiasts, who throng the silver beaches during this time every year. Thanks to the state government, which is yet to grant camping permits for rafting on the rapids, business of the 50 rafting companies have been hit hard.
HT Image
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
The Indian Association of Professional Rafting Outfitters (IAPRO), a body of the rafting firms, said that the delay is due to the forest department’s plan to implement a new policy on issuing licenses. “Without taking our suggestions, the government wants to auction camping sites and even wants a share of 20 per cent in the turnover. Earlier, a security deposit and fixed rental were required for getting a license,” said a Rishikesh-based operator.
However, Principal Secretary (Forest) SK Das said the delay in issuing permits was due to the failure of the rafting companies to comply with the decision taken by the Cabinet on the issue.
The IAPRO, on the other hand, said that it had no problem with the new policy but was only resentful of the timing of the move. “A new policy cannot be implemented 15 days after the season begins. The government should have taken us into confidence before the season started,” said Vaibhav Kala of IAPRO.
A seasoned senior journalist, I have nearly three decades of experience across print, digital, and online platforms, covering political transitions, insurgencies, environmental issues, and development stories in India and Nepal. I am skilled in breaking news, leading editorial teams and launch of newspaper editions. I am adept at leveraging digital trends and social media to expand global reach, with a strong ethical foundation and a reputation for impactful journalism. An alumnus of Asian College of Journalism, I joined Hindustan Times in New Delhi as a trainee reporter in May 1997. Over the years, I have been posted in Dehradun, Kathmandu (Nepal) and Guwahati. Currently, as Senior Assistant Editor at Hindustan Times, I lead a team reporting on India’s northeastern states. My work involves in-depth analysis, and engaging multimedia storytelling across formats, including text, photo, video, and interactive content. I am skilled in producing timely, shareable content, leveraging digital platforms and social media to engage global audiences. Throughout my career with the Hindustan Times, I have led diverse editorial teams, designed capacity-building activities, and supported reporters in developing strong story ideas, ethical reporting practices, digital skills, and fact-checking techniques. As Senior Assistant Editor for Northeast India, I have been responsible for guiding correspondents through complex political, humanitarian, and community-level stories using multimedia formats. Earlier, as Foreign Correspondent in Nepal, I produced extensive reporting during Nepal’s democratic transition and the 2015 earthquake and its aftermath.
