Reasi/Jammu, Sep 29: Adventure tourism has made a comeback in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district as operators restarted rafting in the Chenab river, drawing scores of tourists eager to enjoy the water sport.
Reasi, particularly the Baradari stretch, is renowned for rafting amid majestic mountains and forested riverbanks, attracting thousands of adventure seekers every year.
“Adventure tourism is back in action. We restarted rafting in the Chenab today after a suspension of several months. We are happy to resume it,” said operator Surinder Singh.
Singh noted that the tourism sector had suffered heavily following the Pahalgam terror attack in April, subsequent Operation Sindoor, and the recent floods. “The government had closed rafting for safety precautions. It has restarted after almost six months, and we hope it will get even better in the coming days,” he added.
The long suspension had severely impacted livelihoods, but operators and guides are now relieved as activity picks up again. Authorities have also ensured strict safety measures for tourists along the river.
“This reopening will revive the adventure tourism industry and provide livelihood opportunities for many people connected with rafting. Several companies had been set up on loans to promote adventure tourism, but the suspension had hit the economy hard. Now, it is back,” Singh said.
Tourists thronged the site, sharing videos of their experiences on social media. “We are happy to be here. The rafting was thrilling. We heard it had been suspended for a few months, so we were excited to try it. Once you raft in the cold waters of the Chenab, your tiredness goes away,” said Arjun Shukla, a tourist from Gujarat.
Another tourist, Sumit Karwani, described the experience as wonderful. “Since it was my first time, it felt truly special. We had come for Vaishno Devi darshan and later learned about rafting. Although I was doubtful after the floods, we still tried it, and it was amazing,” he said.
Last week, the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department issued 14 commercial river rafting permits to operators in Baradari, Reasi, aiming to promote adventure tourism and provide livelihood opportunities to local youth.
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