No Fitness Certificate, No Rafting in Coorg: Kodagu Cracks Down on Unsafe Water Adventures

Guides in Kodagu are now required to wear uniforms and pass skill assessments, also certified by GETHNAA.

MADIKERI: Rafting operators in Kodagu district must now compulsorily obtain and renew fitness certificates for their rafts before launching any water-based adventure activity, the River Rafting Management and Monitoring Committee decided in a recent meeting.

Held at the tourist bungalow near Harangi Reservoir, the meeting recently saw the presence of Madikeri MLA Dr. Mantar Gowda and Deputy Commissioner Venkat Raja. The mandatory certification, which must be renewed annually, must be issued by the General Thimayya National Academy of Adventure (GETHNAA), officials said. The move comes ahead of the monsoon tourism season, when thousands of visitors are drawn to the district’s waterfalls and water sports, especially river rafting at Dubare and Barapole in Coorg.

The Kodagu Express Graphics

Dr. Gowda underscored the importance of enforcing strict safety protocols, including mandatory life jackets for all tourists, and skill verification of guides. “Safety and life-saving measures are non-negotiable. Each raft must have a valid fitness certificate before being used,” he said, instructing that the police must also conduct necessary verifications of operators.

Guides are now required to wear uniforms and pass skill assessments, also certified by GETHNAA. The committee also emphasised upgrading basic infrastructure at rafting sites to improve the tourist experience and enhance safety.

Measures approved include installing shelters at ticket counters, hand railings on steps, changing rooms for guides, benches, toilets, CCTV surveillance, and provision of drinking water. MLA Gowda also recommended placing clear directional signboards to rafting sites at strategic junctions such as Bilkere in Hunsur taluk, the Hunsur-Gonikoppal junction on the Mysuru Road, and the Siddapura junction near Periyapatna.

Advertisement

Deputy Commissioner Venkat Raja warned that any mishap during rafting could tarnish the tourism image of Kodagu, which is one of Karnataka’s most visited hill districts. “All rafting guides must be professionally trained, and the process must be regulated strictly. GETHNAA will play a central role in certifying skills and equipment fitness,” he said.

The Deputy Commissioner also revealed that permission has been granted for rafting at Kumaralli (Beedalli) in Somwarpet taluk. “However, since operations have not yet begun there, a site inspection will be conducted soon,” he added.

Advertisement

Tourism Department Deputy Director Anita Bhaskar informed the committee that 75 rafts are currently operational in Dubare and 24 in Barapole. She said, “As per the Karnataka Tourism Policy 2024–29, kayaking is now permitted as a water adventure sport. Eleven applications have been received for kayaking activities in Kodagu, and their feasibility reports will be reviewed before granting approval.”

The committee urged all adventure sports operators to undergo proper skill training and certification through GETHNAA to ensure professionalism, safety, and quality service for tourists.

To advertise on The Kodagu Express website, kindly call us at 9108795369 or mail us at thekodaguexpress@gmail.com 

Join The Kodagu Express WhatsApp Group: CLICK HERE 

Follow us on Instagram and X(Twitter)