Ban on adventure sports goes for toss

Hamirpur, August 30

Despite a ban ordered by the state government on adventure sports, including paragliding and river rafting, during the monsoon season, water sport activities are going on in the Gobind Sagar lake near Bilaspur.

A letter issued by the Deputy Director, Tourism and Civil Aviation, to all SDMs of Mandi and Bilaspur districts on July 1 had reminded that as per the HP Water and Allied Sports Activities Rule, 2021, no permission was to be granted for any such activity. He had suggested that a regular vigil be observed on such activities and anyone found violating the rules be dealt with strictly.

The Deputy Director had mentioned that the adventure sports would remain restricted during the monsoon season from July 15 to September 15.

As per sources, the authorities had turned a blind eye to water sports activities during this period. Rajneesh Kumar, a resident of a village near Bilaspur, said adventure activities were going on in the Gobind Sagar lake near Bilaspur town and Bhrari bridge against norms. He said such activities were closed in the rainy season.

Manasi Sahay Thakur, Director, Tourism and Civil Aviation, said the matter had come to her notice. She added that no approval was taken for holding water sports activities in the lake during the restricted period. People involved in water sports activities would be dealt with as per law, she said.