Rishikesh, June 27, 2025 ,River rafting in Rishikesh has been halted until mid-September due to dangerously high water levels in the Ganga, triggered by heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand’s Himalayan regions.

The Ganga River Rafting Management Committee made this decision on June 24, prioritizing tourist safety, as the river has become turbulent and unpredictable. Rafting operations across major points like Shivpuri, Kaudiyala, and Brahmapuri have been suspended, with earlier restrictions limiting activities to the Brahmapuri-Kharsali stretch.

This season, over 2.64 lakh tourists enjoyed rafting, with peak participation in April. However, continuous rains have rendered the river unsafe, with increased turbidity and strong currents.

The India Meteorological Department forecasts ongoing rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds through the weekend, exacerbating conditions.

Authorities urge tourists to follow safety advisories and avoid vulnerable areas, especially after recent rain-triggered incidents, including a fatal bus accident on the Badrinath highway and a landslide near Yamunotri temple.