Rishikesh: Adventure tourism in Uttarakhand has taken a new turn with the introduction of strict safety rules for bungee jumping stations.
The Tourism Department
has implemented Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) across all sites and is working on drafting detailed regulations to ensure the safety of thousands of tourists who visit every year.
Why the Rules Were Needed
Rishikesh has rapidly emerged as one of India’s top bungee jumping destinations. However, until now, there were no clear regulations, which made enforcing safety standards difficult. The need for strict rules became urgent after a tourist was seriously injured last year at the Himalayan Thrill bungee station.
Following the incident, experts from IIT Roorkee were called to inspect bungee jumping sites. Based on their recommendations, the Tourism Department developed SOPs that are now being enforced.
Key Safety Measures
Under the new SOPs, bungee jumping sites must be completely separate from other activities. Jump masters must have training from recognized mountaineering institutes and hold technical qualifications. Staff must undergo at least one year of training before handling tourists.
Other mandatory rules include:
– Third-party insurance for tourist safety.
– Collection of complete tourist details including name, address, contact number, and ID proof.
– Maintaining daily safety records and following a checklist before each jump.
– Installation of CCTV cameras on all jumping platforms.
– Use of only ISO-certified bungee cords and equipment with certifications such as UIAA, CE, and BIS.
– Clear display of safety instructions and hazard warnings at platforms.
Monitoring and Inspections
District Adventure Sports and Tourism Officer Jaspal Singh Chauhan said that strict action will be taken against operators who violate these SOPs. Surprise inspections will be conducted at major sites like Shivpuri and Mohanchatti to ensure compliance. “Tourist safety will not be compromised under any circumstances,” Chauhan emphasized.
Growing Popularity of Bungee Jumping
Bungee jumping was introduced in Uttarakhand in 2017 and has grown rapidly in popularity. Videos of jumps often go viral on social media, attracting youth and adventure enthusiasts from across the country. With rising demand, the government believes strict rules are essential to prevent accidents and maintain Uttarakhand’s reputation as a safe adventure tourism hub.
Future Regulations
The Tourism Department is now drafting a comprehensive set of regulations that will cover all aspects of bungee jumping operations. These rules will ensure uniform standards across the state and provide a legal framework for monitoring safety.
