River Rafting Temporarily Paused in Rishikesh Due to Rising Ganga Water Levels

All river rafting activities in Rishikesh have been temporarily paused as the Ganga River approaches its warning level following a spell of heavy rain and increased silt deposition in the riverbed.

The white-water rafting at Muni ki Reti was stopped on June 24 to ensure public safety, according to Tehri district tourism officer Jaspal Chauhan. He explained that the Ganga is nearing a critical level and the accumulated silt is making emergency rescue efforts increasingly difficult.

On Tuesday, the river at Muni ki Reti measured 338 metres — just one metre below the warning threshold of 339 metres, Chauhan added. The accumulation of silt and rising water levels pose challenges for rescue operations, should a situation demand urgent intervention. Although Muni ki Reti is situated within Rishikesh, it falls under Tehri district's administrative region, despite Rishikesh itself being part of Dehradun district.

Rishikesh has long been celebrated as one of India’s premier spots for white-water rafting, attracting adventurers from across the country and abroad. Normally, the rafting season spans nearly ten months of the year, with the activity pausing only during the monsoon months of July and August due to the unpredictable and turbulent river conditions caused by heavy rains.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and will lift the suspension once water levels subside and safety conditions are restored.