Uttara Kannada Bans Water Sports and Sea Tourism During Monsoon Season
The district administration has prohibited adventure and water based tourism activities from June 1 to August 31, 2026, citing public safety concerns during the monsoon.
Karwar: The Uttara Kannada district administration has ordered a temporary ban on water sports, sea tourism and adventure activities across the district for the monsoon season.
The order was issued by Deputy Commissioner and Chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority, Smt. Lakshmi Priya K IAS, under Sections 33 and 34 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
According to the order, the ban will remain in force from June 1, 2026 to August 31, 2026.
The administration said the decision was taken after reviewing monsoon preparedness and assessing risks linked to adventure tourism and water based activities in rivers, estuaries and coastal areas of Uttara Kannada.
During the monsoon, heavy rainfall, sudden rise in river water levels, flash floods, strong currents, rough sea conditions, high waves and strong winds can pose a serious danger to human life.
Activities prohibited during this period include river rafting, boating in rivers, reservoirs, backwaters and estuaries, jet skiing, kayaking, banana rides, parasailing, speed boat rides, scuba diving and other underwater recreational activities.
The order also bans sea based tourism, recreational activities and any commercial or public activity involving access to rivers, backwaters or sea waters if it could endanger lives during the monsoon.
The Deputy Commissioner has directed Assistant Commissioners, Tahsildars, the Superintendent of Police, Tourism Department officials, Fisheries Department officials, urban local bodies, Panchayat Development Officers and other concerned authorities to strictly implement the order.
Tour operators, agencies, service providers and individuals involved in these activities have been instructed to follow the directions without fail.
The order warns that violations will invite legal action under Sections 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, along with other applicable laws.