As a major precautionary measure ahead of the southwest monsoon season, the Uttara Kannada district administration has imposed a complete ban on all water sports and water-based recreational activities in the district from June 1 to August 31, 2026.
The order has been issued by the District Collector and Chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority, Lakshmipriya K., to protect tourists and the general public in monsoon months.
Heavy rainfall is expected in the upcoming monsoon season, and sudden increases in river levels, flash floods, as well as rough sea conditions are expected, the district administration said. Strong currents and high waves in the river water can lead to accidents and the resulting loss of life for people who enter water bodies are at risk, they say, in the coming monsoon season.
The decision was taken after the safety concerns were reviewed at a District Disaster Management Authority meeting on May 13. Monsoon-related weather conditions were assessed, and officials concluded that preventive measures were needed to avoid any such trouble.
Under Sections 33 and 34 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the administration has prohibited a wide range of adventure and tourism activities involving water bodies throughout the district.
The ban covers river rafting activities, including those conducted in the Kali River and other rivers in Uttara Kannada. Boating operations in rivers, reservoirs, backwaters, estuaries and other inland water bodies have also been suspended for the three months.
Besides, all sea-based adventure sports and recreational activities were prohibited. These include jet skiing, kayaking, banana boat rides, parasailing, speedboat rides, scuba diving and other underwater adventure activities. The restrictions also apply to all marine tourism and entertainment activities that take place along the district’s coastline.
The district administration has directed all Assistant Commissioners, Tahsildars, Superintendents of Police and officials of the Tourism and Fisheries Departments to strictly enforce the order throughout the district.
The restrictions were imposed because of the high water levels and sea conditions at the time; water levels can fluctuate quickly and without warning, the authorities said. The administration has urged tourists to work with authorities and not to enter rivers, reservoirs or coastal waters until they are safe.
The administration has also warned tourism operators, agencies and individuals involved in water-based activities to take care of it. Violations of the order, such as taking tourists into restricted water bodies, will draw severe legal action under Sections 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and other applicable laws.
Even though Uttara Kannada is one of the most popular destinations for adventure tourism and water sports in Karnataka, officials hope the temporary restrictions will help to prevent accidents and provide public safety during the peak monsoon season.
