Team Herald
PANJIM: An increase in COVID-19 cases in Goa has halted the resumption of several tourism activities. After the hospitality sector, adventure sports have also taken a major beating. As a result of which, the authorities have been forced to suspend ‘White Water Rafting’ for this monsoon.
Southern River Adventures and Sports Pvt Ltd, which has a tie-up with Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) to operate rafting trips in Mhadei River has confirmed that the activity will not be conducted this year.
“The water rafting won’t happen this year. The local village panchayat has requested us not to hold the activity as they are concerned about the spread of COVID-19 virus. Therefore, we want to give it a break this year,” said John Pollard, the Managing Director of the adventure sports firm, in a telephonic conversation with Herald from overseas.
The charm of the monsoon season white water rafting - that started in 2012 - has annually attracted 2,000 to 2,500 enthusiasts during the period of 3-4 months. A screeching halt of this activity due to the pandemic, Pollard said, will cause loss not only to the company but also to around 15 employees.
“It’s a bit sad not to continue with the activity this year. It will cause a loss of livelihood for some including Goans. In addition, the transport operators, hospitality, etc who are also dependent on the visitors around the rafting site are also affected,” he said.
The Southern River Adventures is nonetheless hopeful to resume the operations for its visitors in 2021. As of now, the nine boats are kept in ‘storage’ and its maintenance taken care of. The activity usually lasts for minimum three months or till heavy rains.
An official in the tourism department conceded that they would not hold the activity this year in compliance with the guidelines of the Central ministry. “We would resume once the ban on activities, which require gathering of people, is lifted. But since water rafting is meant only during the monsoon, it is unlikely to resume anytime soon,” the official said.
It has also come to the fore that GTDC’s monsoon trekking has also been kept on hold due to the surge in cases.