Reasi, Jammu & Kashmir: After a prolonged suspension of several months, adventure tourism has once again come alive in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district with the resumption of rafting on the Chenab river. Scores of tourists flocked to Baradari, a renowned rafting hub, eager to experience the thrill of navigating the river’s rapids amid the backdrop of the region’s majestic mountains and lush, forested riverbanks.
The Chenab river in Baradari is celebrated for its challenging yet scenic rafting routes, attracting thousands of adventure enthusiasts every year. However, the adventure sport was suspended following a series of unfortunate events, including the Pahalgam terror attack in April, subsequent Operation Sindoor, and devastating floods, which forced authorities to temporarily halt rafting activities for safety reasons.
Speaking to the media, Surinder Singh, a local rafting operator, said, “Adventure tourism is back in action. We restarted rafting in the Chenab today after a suspension of several months. We are delighted to resume our operations and welcome tourists back to this beautiful stretch of the river.”
He added that the long closure had severely impacted the livelihoods of many local operators, guides, and staff engaged in adventure tourism. “Several rafting companies had been set up with bank loans and significant investments. The suspension had hit the local economy hard, but now with operations resuming, we are hopeful for a strong comeback,” Singh said.
Authorities have also assured tourists that strict safety measures are being followed, including the deployment of trained guides, safety briefings, and proper use of protective gear. “The resumption of rafting will not only bring back adventure tourism in the area but also provide employment opportunities to the local youth and contribute positively to the region’s economy,” Singh added.
Tourists visiting the site expressed their excitement and satisfaction. Arjun Shukla, a tourist from Gujarat, said, “We are happy to be here. The rafting was thrilling. We heard it had been suspended for a few months, so we were particularly excited to try it. Once you raft in the cold waters of the Chenab, it instantly rejuvenates you.”
Another tourist, Sumit Karwani, shared, “It was my first time rafting, and the experience was truly special. We had come for Vaishno Devi darshan and later discovered the rafting opportunity here. Even though the floods had caused some concerns, we decided to try it, and it was amazing.”
In an effort to promote adventure tourism and support local entrepreneurs, the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department recently issued 14 commercial river rafting permits to operators in Baradari, Reasi. This initiative aims to provide sustainable livelihood opportunities to local youth while boosting tourism in the region.
With the resumption of rafting, Reasi is once again emerging as a key adventure tourism destination, combining scenic beauty with exhilarating outdoor experiences, and offering both locals and visitors a chance to reconnect with nature while engaging in safe and thrilling water sports.
