VALPOI
The Goa Tourist Development Corporation's adventure whitewater rafting watersports activity on Mhadei river at Dhave-Sattari has suffered a setback due to less rainfall this year.
According to sources, about 20% of the activities have been affected as compared to last year, forcing authorities to stop the watersports activity since last Sunday.
The GTDC started this adventure whitewater rafting activity four years ago during the BJP rule, with the backing of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and GTDC chairman Nilesh Cabral. This is the only activity organised by the State government to promote hinterland tourism.
The duration of whitewater rafting is 90 minutes from Dhave to Sawarde covering a distance of about 9 kms. Last year, over 1,300 tourists enjoyed the activity, which started on August 1, while this year the activity started on August 28 due to delay in arrival of monsoon.
According to John Polard, who conducts the whitewater rafting, the number of tourists who enjoyed this activity this year is only 1,080, which is comparatively less than last year. "This year, the rainfall is less and uneven, which has directly affected the rafting, but we are satisfied with the response from tourists," he said. "GTDC charges Rs 2000 per tourist, which is not expensive. More tourists from outside the State have enjoyed this adventure activity," he added.
Speaking to The Goan, marketing officer and PRO of GTDC Deepak Narvekar said, "This activity is getting good response from adventurous tourists, but a drop in rainfall this year had a bad impact on it and it had to be closed down early."
Speaking to The Goan, Nagargao Sarpanch Parag Khadilkar said, "Many tourists, who visit for this sports activity, are also enjoying the scenic beauty. Last year, the panchayat benefitted from GTDC with financial assistance of Rs 50,000," he said.
The Goa Tourist Development Corporation's adventure whitewater rafting watersports activity on Mhadei river at Dhave-Sattari has suffered a setback due to less rainfall this year.
According to sources, about 20% of the activities have been affected as compared to last year, forcing authorities to stop the watersports activity since last Sunday.
The GTDC started this adventure whitewater rafting activity four years ago during the BJP rule, with the backing of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and GTDC chairman Nilesh Cabral. This is the only activity organised by the State government to promote hinterland tourism.
The duration of whitewater rafting is 90 minutes from Dhave to Sawarde covering a distance of about 9 kms. Last year, over 1,300 tourists enjoyed the activity, which started on August 1, while this year the activity started on August 28 due to delay in arrival of monsoon.
According to John Polard, who conducts the whitewater rafting, the number of tourists who enjoyed this activity this year is only 1,080, which is comparatively less than last year. "This year, the rainfall is less and uneven, which has directly affected the rafting, but we are satisfied with the response from tourists," he said. "GTDC charges Rs 2000 per tourist, which is not expensive. More tourists from outside the State have enjoyed this adventure activity," he added.
Speaking to The Goan, marketing officer and PRO of GTDC Deepak Narvekar said, "This activity is getting good response from adventurous tourists, but a drop in rainfall this year had a bad impact on it and it had to be closed down early."
Speaking to The Goan, Nagargao Sarpanch Parag Khadilkar said, "Many tourists, who visit for this sports activity, are also enjoying the scenic beauty. Last year, the panchayat benefitted from GTDC with financial assistance of Rs 50,000," he said.
