Uttarakhand appoints Adventure Sports Officer in Rishikesh

The Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) has appointed an adventure sports officer in Rishikesh. The appointment has been made in order to take care of the interests of those in the white water rafting business, facilitate swift redressal of problems faced in the sector and ensure disciplined operation of the river rafting business. KS Negi, who has been appointed the adventure sports officer will shortly assume charge at the tourist information centre in Rishikesh.

This will enable redressal at the local level of complaints of the local stakeholders and those involved in the rafting business.

The State’s Tourism secretary Dilip Jawalkar informed that this step had been taking in view of the considerable scope for river rafting tourism in the Rishikesh area.

On the one hand, this step will enhance the convenience of tourists arriving here from across India and abroad while on the other hand, the local youth will have access to information related to adventure sports. Information will also provided about river rafting and travel and trade registration so as to encourage the local youth towards self employment in this sector. Further, the appointment of the adventure sports officer will also help in organisation of programmes necessary for skill development for those interested in adventure activities.

It is pertinent to mention here that while Rishikesh is known internationally as a destination for those interested in Yoga, in past years it has also gained popularity as a destination for those interested in river rafting. While this development is bringing tourists from across the nation and abroad to Rishikesh for river rafting, it is also growing as a viable medium for employment.

Source: The Pioneer