MANSEHRA: The district administration has strictly warned zipline and riverrafting operators to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure the safety of tourists in Kaghan Valley.
‘We want to ensure the safety of tourists enjoying recreational activities during their visit to picturesqueKaghan Valley.
You have to strictly follow all SOPs set by the government for ziplining and river rafting sports,’ Abdullah Khan Swati, additional assistant commissioner (revenue), told reporters on Sunday.
A team of district administration officials and representatives of relevant departments visited Kaghan Valley and conducted surprise inspections of riverrafting points, reviewing the preventive measures put in place by the companies.
The team also inspected safety equipment including life jackets, helmets and other ne cessities required for river raf ting.
The officials examined the rafting boats and directed the operators to properly overhaul and maintain them.
‘The district administration will not compromise on the safety of tourists enjoying water sports. You also have to check the flow of the Kunhar River before undertaking any rafting trip, particularly during the monsoon season,’ Mr Swati said.
The team also visited different zipline sites in Naran, some of which pass over the Kunhar River.
‘You should regularly inspect the wires to ensure the safety of tourists who engage in this sport,’ Mr Swati told zipline operators. He also directed the operators to strictly follow the SOPs prescribed by the government for the sector.
‘Tourists enjoy ziplining during their recreational visits here, but we will not allow any company to operate without obtaining prior licensing or approval from the relevant departments,’ Mr Swati said. Correspondent