High court bans adventure sports in Uttarakhand
The Uttarakhand high court has banned paragliding, white water rafting and other water sports until the government enact a policy to regulate them. The move aimed at safeguarding both the environment and people engaging in these daring activities.
The court’s decision will adversely affect the adventure sports sector of the state, experts say.
The decision was taken by a division bench of justices Rajiv Sharma and Lok Pal Singh ban following a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Hari Om Kashyap, Rishikesh-based social activist
The HC directed the state government to enact suitable legislation for regulating adventure and water sports throughout state. The order was issued by the HC on Monday, but a copy was made available only on Thursday.
“The State government is hereby directed to prepare the transparent policy within a period of two weeks. Till the policy is framed, no white river rafting, paragliding and other water sports shall be permitted in the state of Uttarakhand,” the order said.