Uttarakhand, June 22: The Uttarakhand High Court (HC) has banned all types of water sports, including paragliding and river rafting across the state. The decision has been made since there are no policies in the state that provides safety to tourists and the environment. High numbers of visitors from other states tour Uttarakhand since it has become one of the favourite tourist destinations for adventure sport in the recent times.

The court in its order directed the state government to enact suitable legislation for regulating adventure and water sports throughout Uttarakhand. The order was issued by the HC on Monday, but a copy was made available only on Thursday, according to a Hindustan Times news report. The order copy reads, "The State government is directed to prepare the transparent policy within two weeks. Till the policy is not framed, no white river rafting, paragliding and other water sports shall be permitted in the state of Uttarakhand."

The order further states, "We have also gone through the photographs. We can see people organising picnics inside the river water. They can be seen drinking in the river water. The sanctity of the river Ganga is not maintained by the respondent-state by permitting the lease of river beds."

Courts observation has come over a PIL which had been filed by an activist who in his plea mentioned that the state authorities were giving illegal leases in favour of private agencies to organise water sports on the Ganga. According to the petitioner, temporary structures are being permitted to be set up on the banks of the river. To prove his claim, the petitioner also produced photographs of river Ganga which is in a complete mess due to the ongoing watersports. Moreover, the petitioner also mentioned the rising threat to the environment.

After observing all the facts, the court said,"The state government cannot be oblivious to its duties to regulate and restrict the unauthorised activities. The white river rafting is a serious sport. Paragliding is equally dangerous if not regulated. The water sports in big lakes like Tehri Dam can prove fatal. These are required to be regulated.”

The division bench of justices also remarked that tourism must be promoted, but it is required to be regulated. Therefore, reasonable charges should be fixed for carrying such adventurous activities, to avoid loot of tourist also the sports for pleasure cannot be permitted which could end into a disaster. Hence, proper safety measures should be enforced, specially trained staff only be permitted.

The order has given a significant jolt to the adventure tourism and water sports in the Himalayan state.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 22, 2018 11:39 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).