Gandhinagar: In a bid to establish a comprehensive framework for monitoring and regulating adventure sports activities across Gujarat’s diverse geographical landscape, the state govt is set to introduce a new bill aimed at ensuring safety and promoting responsible tourism.The proposed legislation is expected to be tabled during the monsoon session of the Gujarat Assembly next month.The bill will mandate strict registration requirements for all adventure sports operators. Service providers will be required to obtain the necessary licenses, maintain proper documentation, and ensure their equipment meets prescribed safety standards. “The legislation will establish a dedicated regulatory authority to oversee these operations,” official sources said.According to officials, the regulatory body will be responsible for issuing permits and licenses to adventure sports operators, conducting regular inspections of equipment and facilities, certifying adventure sports locations, monitoring safety protocols, conducting periodic audits, and investigating accidents or safety breaches.The law will cover a range of adventure activities, including mountain climbing, trekking, desert expeditions, water sports, parasailing, rock climbing, river rafting, and zip lining.Commenting on the safety aspects of the proposed law, govt officials stated that professional certification will be made mandatory for all adventure sports instructors and guides. “They will need to demonstrate adequate training and expertise in their respective fields. The authority will maintain a database of certified professionals and monitor their performance,” said sources.Local authorities, including police and fire services, will coordinate with the regulatory body to ensure swift emergency response and effective enforcement of safety rules.The proposed legislation will bring Gujarat in line with other states that have already implemented similar regulatory frameworks. “This standardisation will help boost adventure tourism while maintaining strict safety measures. The move is also expected to generate new employment opportunities in the adventure tourism sector,” officials added.The tourism department has been working closely with legal experts to ensure that the proposed law addresses all aspects of adventure sports safety and regulation. “The draft legislation will incorporate feedback from stakeholders, including adventure sports operators, safety experts, and tourism industry representatives,” said officials involved in drafting the bill.Sources said that once the bill is passed, its implementation will be phased to give existing operators time to comply with the new regulations. The regulatory authority will provide guidance and support during the transition period to ensure smooth adoption of the new requirements.
