The Uttarakhand government has decided to go ahead with its plan to auction Ganga beaches for adventure sports despite strong opposition by local operators.
“Auctioning is the only profitable option before the government. We will auction these beaches to generate more revenue,” said Chief Minister Ramesh P Nishank here.
Nishank said the government was planning to generate nearly Rs 1000 crore revenue through the adventure sports which is now hovering around Rs 25-35 crore.
According to an estimate, nearly 50,000 people are associated with the adventure business in Uttarakhand.
Last month, the tourism business, comprising nearly 109 rafting companies that operate between the 70-km long stretch of Devprayag and Muni-Ki-Reti in Tehri district, came to a standstill following an agitation against the government’s decision to auction these beaches.
Shivpuri, an idyllic beach, is the main hub of the adventure sports in this long stretch. These operators were peeved at the forest department for not issuing lease permits this season and instead adopting the bidding process.
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Significantly, Nishank’s comments came after the owners of these companies met him to discuss their various demands.
The Ganga river between Devprayag and Muni-Ki-Reti is considered to be an ideal location for the adventure activities.
Thousands of tourists from home and abroad flock this place at the end of the monsoon season.
The main grouse of the adventure companies, mostly local ones, is why the government is interfering into their business which they themselves have nurtured over the years.