Additional Deputy Commissioner Dr. Sahana S. Hadimani has directed all river rafting operators in Dubare and Barapole to obtain mandatory raft fitness certificates from the General Thimmaiah National Adventure Academy (JETNA) before conducting rafting activities.
Chairing the River Rafting Management and Supervision Committee meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s office on Monday, she instructed operators to also obtain licence renewal approval from the Tourism Department before commencing operations. She warned that no rafting activity should be conducted without valid permission or renewal documents.
Dr. Hadimani emphasised the importance of tourist safety and instructed that rafting guides undergo necessary training through the General Thimmaiah National Adventure Academy and the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports. She also directed authorities to ensure basic facilities such as drinking water, toilets, and vehicle parking at rafting locations, stressing that tourists should not face inconvenience at adventure tourism sites.
Deputy Director of Tourism Shashidhara informed the meeting that Dubare currently has 55 rafting operators with 84 rafts, while Barapole has four operators with 24 rafts. He stated that 44 operators from Dubare and all four operators from Barapole had submitted their rafts for fitness inspection this year.
The meeting also discussed proposals for kayaking and other water adventure sports at Kumaradhara River and Honnamman Lake under the Karnataka Tourism Policy 2024-29. Officials from the police, revenue, tourism, sports, and public works departments, along with rafting association representatives, attended the meeting.
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