In light of past accidents during adventure activities like river rafting and kayaking, the government has tightened safety standards. The Cabinet has approved the Tourism Department’s proposal to amend the Uttarakhand River Rafting and Kayaking Rules.

These amendments prioritize tourist safety by making safety standards more effective and introducing punitive provisions against operators who violate the rules.

Conducting river rafting or kayaking without a license will result in the confiscation of the raft and a fine of up to ₹1 lakh, while failure to renew a license will attract a fine of ₹50,000. Operators are prohibited from subletting their licenses.

No Operation of a Single Raft or Kayak

According to the rules, during a rafting trip, every guide and kayaker must operate alongside at least two rafts belonging to the firm, or—in the case of a single-raft operation—be accompanied by a minimum of one safety kayak on the river stretch.

Under no circumstances shall a single raft or kayak be operated in isolation. Every operator or guide must ensure that both they and the participants wear certified life jackets and helmets that meet national and international safety standards.

Guides Can Serve Up to Age 60

The age limit for river guides and safety kayakers has been raised from 50 to 60 years. However, those over the age of 50 must submit a certificate of medical fitness.

Fines for Lack of Helmets and Life Jackets

If tourists are found rafting without life jackets and helmets, a fine of ₹5,000 per participant will be recovered from the license holder. The same rule applies to overloading. Additionally, fines of ₹5,000 each will be imposed on the license holder for using defective equipment and on the guide for failing to carry a valid identity card.

Provisions have also been made for the following:

• Three years of experience is mandatory to obtain a license for river rafting and kayaking activities.
• Priority will be given to existing license holders currently operating rafting services on other rivers, following an assessment of the Ganga’s carrying capacity.
• License renewal must now be completed within 45 days; the previous timeframe was 90 days.