1 week ago
Maharashtra Tightens Adventure Tourism Rules After Fatal Tourist Accidents
Maharashtra wants adventure trips to be safer for tourists.
Officials acted after several people died at risky travel spots.
A 22-year-old man died after falling into a gorge during a trek near Khopoli.
Two boys also died after drowning in the Kalu River near Malshej Ghat.
The government says dangerous places may need to be closed during the monsoon.
Adventure companies must register and follow safety rules.
They must use trained guides and provide equipment such as signs, sirens, safety nets and rescue services.
Companies that ignore the rules could be punished or shut down.
Maharashtra has ordered adventure tourism operators to comply with the state’s formal Adventure Tourism Policy.
The move follows fatal incidents at risky tourist destinations, including a trek fall near Khopoli and drownings in the Kalu River.
The policy requires certified guides, safety infrastructure, emergency rescue arrangements, first-aid facilities and approved permissions.
The Directorate of Tourism is seeking universal registration and certification for commercial adventure activities.
Unregistered operators conducting high-risk activities may face legal penalties and closure.
- Who
- The Maharashtra Tourism Department, Directorate of Tourism, adventure tourism operators, resorts and other service providers.
- What
- Authorities are enforcing registration, certification and safety requirements under Maharashtra’s Adventure Tourism Policy.
- Where
- Across Maharashtra, including risky tourist destinations near Khopoli, Raigad, and Malshej Ghat.
- When
- The directive follows several recent fatal accidents, including incidents reported on August 2 and during peak holiday seasons.
- Why
- To reduce accidents, address unregulated tourism activities and improve safety at high-risk tourist destinations.
Key facts
- Policy
- Maharashtra’s formal Adventure Tourism Policy
- Affected stakeholders
- Private companies, individual operators, nonprofits, adventure camps, resorts and training institutes
- Required personnel
- Certified and trained local guides and instructors
- Safety infrastructure
- Watchtowers, directional signs, sirens, safety nets, rescue setups, first-aid facilities and fire-safety arrangements
- Registration
- Commercial adventure activities must be officially registered and certified
- Reported incidents
- A trekker died near Khopoli, while two boys drowned in the Kalu River near Malshej Ghat
- Enforcement
- Non-compliant operators may face legal penalties and closure
Quotes
Vikas Pansare
Director of Maharashtra Tourism
“The Adventure Tourism Policy is an important initiative that is giving a new direction to tourism development in the state. The policy has received a positive response across Maharashtra, and a range of adventure tourism activities are now being conducted more systematically and safely. This has helped strengthen tourists’ confidence while creating local employment. Operators must make full use of this policy and ensure their activities are officially registered.”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
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