PANAJI
From kayaking along the Chapora and Baga rivers to river rafting near Ustem Dam (Mhadei River), Goa government has identified 14 locations across North Goa for watersports activities.
A notification by the Tourism Department has prescribed distance limits and supervision requirements to regulate operations on inland water bodies.
It has demarcated specific zones across rivers, lakes and beaches for activities such as kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, paddle boating, boat rides and river rafting.
“... notify the demarcation of areas for watersports activities on North Goa rivers, lakes and other inland water bodies with a view to regulate and monitor these activities in the State of Goa,” reads the notification.
One of the highly populated Baga Beach; Baga Creek, Querim on the Terekhol River and Mayem Lake are among the total locations. The department has also identified a site near Moira River, four locations along the Chapora River, the area near Chapora Jetty, Orda on the Nerul River, and two locations along the Mhadei River.
The permitted activities and operational limits vary from one location to another, with specific instructions that kayaking must take place under the supervision of trained professionals. The rafting facility near Ustem Dam should carry an explicit instructor-supervision requirement.
"Water/river rafting for a distance not more than 1 km from the boarding point. Only under the direct supervision, guidance and assistance of trained professional instructors,” it said.
