Govt framing strict rules for adventure tourism

Measures being taken in the wake of River Beas tragedy in Himachal Pradesh.

Mountains, ghats and coasts of Karnataka are popular tourism and adventure sports destinations. At the same time, they are also notorious for accidents, owing to the absence of safety measures. 

Most importantly, there are no strict rules in place to keep a check on adventure tourism activities. 

However, in the wake of River Beas tragedy in Himachal Pradesh, the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports is planning to make stringent rules for all tour operators and government departments offering adventure tourism. 

The director of the department, Vikash Kumar Vikash ,said we are framing guidelines for adventure sports. These are being finalised in coordination with the tourism, forest departments and Jungle Lodges and Resorts. 

The equipment used for each sporting activity should be as per the guidelines. Safety standards followed in other nations like Maldives, Caribbean Islands and New Zealand are being incorporated. Licences will be checked regularly and if rules are not followed, they will be cancelled, he added. 

Carelessness to blame

Karnataka is popular for water sports, rock climbing and trekking. Hence, these guidelines play an important role. It is noticed that most accidents happen because people take things for granted. Individuals too should be responsible.

Dev Balaji, the head of Nature Admire, an adventure sports company, said the most vulnerable areas around Bangalore were KRS Dam, Cauvery, Shimsha, Bheemeshwari, Muttathi, Sangam and Mekedatu. The YESD has been framing rules since three years, but they not yet out. 

Apart from government rules, tourists, especially youth, should ensure that they use local help. They should hire them and use their knowledge to understand the terrain and locality. 

Police officers from the coastal regions stressed the need for stringent  rules. There should be Baywatch-kind of team with trained rescuers on coasts. 

Superintendent of Police, Uttara Kannada, R Dilip, said that though the number of such accidents was less in Karnataka, there is scope for improvement and enhanced safety.