Date:27/10/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/10/27/stories/2007102752980800.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Rafting on the Kali permitted again

Staff Reporter

BANGALORE: Get ready for the adrenalin rush on the fast-moving Kali. The Forest Department, which had temporarily withdrawn permission for white water rafting on the river, one of the premier rafting destinations in the South, following agitations, has now permitted rafting again.

The department, which had asked Southern River Adventures that conducts rafting activities on behalf of Jungle Lodges and Resorts, to stop rafting, has written to Jungle Lodges and Resorts permitting rafting.

The letter from the Conservator of Forests, Kanara Circle, states that the permission has been granted after local people who had complained to the department withdrew their complaints.

The letter has also stated that licence to conduct rafting to other youth organisations, which would comply with safety standards, would be issued under the Wilderness Tourism Policy.

John Pollard, Head of Operations, Southern River Adventures, told The Hindu that they would start operations from the first week of November as the area is receiving rainfall now.