Shivpuri, 21 April 2006
It’s known more as a spiritual destination, but now Rishikesh is fast making a name for itself as a hotspot for some heartstopping whitewater adventure.
As 30 teams from India prepare to hurtle down a 45 km stretch on the Ganga, the prospects of watersports tourism in Uttaranchal are looking increasingly brighter.
“I feel some of these competitions that are organised here are an indication of the fact that there is potential and possibility.
“It’s a question of improving further and in addition to the government efforts, the organizations which are active play a very crucial role,” said M Ramchandran, Chief Secretary, Uttaranchal.
From Kaudiyala all the way down to Rishikesh, the river is dotted with camps that offer whitewater rafting as a weekend getaway.
But competitions like the All India White water Rafting and Kayaking Championship certainly give the sport a different focus.
Even so, the feeling is that not enough is being done to increase tourism in the state.
“What we would like is for the entire administration to be tourism oriented,” said Kedar Singh Fonia, President, Uttaranchal Kayaking, Canoeing and Rafting Association.
As water sports enthusiasts paddle their rafts and kayaks down the magnificent Ganga, at Shivpuri, adventure and sports tourism seems to have given Uttaranchal a whole new identity.
News Source: http://www.ndtv.com


