In a significant move to strengthen safety standards in adventure tourism, the Uttarakhand government will soon make medical fitness certificates mandatory for bungee jumping participants above the age of 50. The decision follows a series of safety incidents across the state’s popular adventure hubs, including Rishikesh, Devprayag and Tapovan.
The new regulation, expected to be implemented within a month, is part of a broader effort by the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board to establish a comprehensive legal and safety framework for adventure sports in the state.
Tourism Secretary Dhiraj Garbyal confirmed that a detailed rulebook is currently being finalised. “We have consulted stakeholders, including national and international experts, to ensure that Uttarakhand’s adventure tourism sector operates under stringent safety protocols,” he said.
Trigger: Recent Safety Incidents
The policy shift comes in the wake of two alarming incidents that raised concerns over operational safety standards.
In November last year, a 24-year-old tourist from Gurugram sustained critical injuries after a bungee cord snapped mid-jump at an adventure facility in Shivpuri near Rishikesh. More recently, on June 15, another jumper experienced severe abdominal pain and breathlessness shortly after landing and died while being transported to a hospital. The absence of a post-mortem examination has left the exact cause of death inconclusive.
These incidents have intensified scrutiny of safety practices followed by operators in the state.
Stricter Health Screening
Under the proposed guidelines, individuals suffering from high blood pressure, heart disease, or other serious medical conditions will be prohibited from participating in bungee jumping altogether. For those above 50 years, submission of a valid medical fitness certificate will be compulsory.
Officials have taken a firm stance on compliance. “No certificate, no jump. This is non-negotiable,” Garbyal emphasised, underscoring the government’s zero-tolerance approach to safety lapses.
Enhanced Accountability for Operators
The upcoming regulations will also impose stricter operational requirements on adventure sports providers. Operators will be mandated to use globally certified, high-grade natural rubber cords and adhere to defined replacement cycles to prevent equipment fatigue.
In addition, periodic inspections, documentation of safety checks, and adherence to international best practices are expected to become integral to licensing norms.
Balancing Growth with Safety
Uttarakhand, often referred to as the adventure capital of India, has witnessed rapid growth in activities such as bungee jumping, river rafting, and zip-lining, particularly in regions like Rishikesh. While this growth has boosted tourism revenues, it has also highlighted the urgent need for stronger regulatory oversight.
Industry stakeholders have largely welcomed the move, viewing it as a step towards building long-term credibility and trust among domestic and international tourists.
With the new framework, the state aims to strike a balance between promoting adventure tourism and ensuring the highest levels of safety for participants.
