Maharashtra Tourism Department Tightens Adventure Tourism Rules After Rise In Tourist Accidents

The Maharashtra Tourism Department has strengthened regulations for adventure tourism in response to a surge in tourist accidents. The state government aims to curb unregulated operators and create a secure, standardized environment for thrill-seekers amid growing mishaps. Fatal incidents at unmonitored or hazardous tourist locations during peak holiday periods triggered this safety initiative.

On August 2, a Thane-based 22-year-old dog trainer perished while trekking from Zenith waterfall to KP Waterfall in Raigad’s Khopali after falling into a deep gorge. Two young boys also died in separate incidents after drowning in Kalu river near Malshej Ghat, another popular tourist site. Such frequent occurrences in high-risk tourist destinations have prompted the state’s chief secretary to prioritize citizen safety and restrict access to perilous spots during the monsoon.

The Maharashtra Tourism Department is mandating universal registration and official certification for all commercial adventure activities to build tourist confidence and prevent safety lapses. Operators must adhere to comprehensive safety protocols, including hiring certified local guides and instructors, installing watchtowers, directional signage, sirens, and safety nets, setting up emergency rescue systems, first-aid facilities, and fire-safety measures, and obtaining prior approval for required permissions.

Tourism Director Vikas Pansare stated, "The Adventure Tourism Policy is an important initiative that is giving a new direction to tourism development in the state. The policy has received a positive response across Maharashtra, and a range of adventure tourism activities are now being conducted more systematically and safely. This has helped strengthen tourists’ confidence while creating local employment." Operators must utilize this policy by ensuring their activities are officially registered.

The policy applies to various stakeholders, including private companies, individual operators, non-profit organizations, adventure camps, resorts, and training institutes. Activities like mountaineering, parasailing, scuba diving, and bungee jumping are expected to face stricter oversight. Non-compliant operators involved in risk-heavy activities will face severe legal penalties and closures. Details on property deals in Mumbai and surrounding areas can be found at https://budgetproperties.in/.