Arunachal Pradesh’s white-water rafting scene, particularly on the Siang and Brahmaputra rivers, has earned global acclaim recently. Adventure travel guides and international publications have heralded the region as a world-class destination for adrenaline junkies and eco-tourists

International Highlights

• Adventure operator Aquaterra featured Arunachal at the top of its “most sought-after adventure states in India 2025”, highlighting rafting on the Siang as a key attraction .
• The state also clinched the “Leader in Offbeat Mountain Destination” award at the 2025 World Travel & Tourism Festival, with adventure water sports like rafting cited as a major reason

Why It Stands Out

1. Powerful Rapids
   The Siang offers rapids up to Grade IV–V, including intense stretches at Ningging, Palsi, Pulsating Palsi, and Kodak—drawing seasoned rafters globally
2. Historical Expeditions
   • NIMAS-led team successfully completed a 1,040 km full-Brahmaputra expedition, marking the first of its kind and showcasing the region’s rafting potential.
   • Earlier this year, the NIMAS’s 916 km rafting expedition began in Gelling, flagged off by the Chief Minister, further spotlighting the sport’s significance
3. Local Talent Emergence
   The Arunachal team secured three bronze medals in the 17th National Rafting Championship, demonstrating the region’s growing competence

What This Means for Arunachal

• Adventure Tourism Boom: With global recognition, the state is primed for increased inflow of adventure travelers and rafting enthusiasts.
• Economic Impact: Tourism boosts local businesses—from guides, homestays to eco-resorts—helping tribal communities through sustainable models.
• Skill and Safety Standards: National-level events and NIMAS training are enhancing local guide expertise, safety protocols, and international readiness

The Road Ahead

• Infrastructure Investment: Improved river access, better campsites, rescue services, and safety accreditation are underway.
• Monthly Adventure Events: With growing popularity, expect more rafting races, eco-expeditions, and international raft-festivals.
• Sustainability Emphasis: Maintaining ecological balance and cultural authenticity remains central to long-term success.

Quick Summary

Project Overview

• Area & Scale: Haryana is planning to develop a 10,000-acre jungle safari park in the Aravalli range spanning Gurugram and Nuh districts—making it the largest safari park globally
• Planning & Partnerships: The project is a joint initiative between the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change and the Haryana government, with central funding

Attractions & Features

Visitors can expect these world-class experiences:

• Multi-zone safari featuring big cats (lions, tigers, cheetahs), herbivores, exotic animals, reptiles/amphibians (herpetarium), and birds (aviary)
• Specialty zones including an underwater world, botanical gardens, and themed biomes—equatorial, tropical, coastal, desert, etc.
• Nature trails, visitor amenities, and tourism zones modeled on global best standards

Expertise & Design

• Officials visited Sharjah Safari—currently the largest outside Africa (~2,000 acres)—to study its operations
• Two international firms have been shortlisted via global Expression of Interest and will compete in an international design competition
• An Aravalli Foundation will be established to oversee operations and management of the park

Goals & Impact

• Eco‑tourism boost: Expected to attract large visitor footfall from Delhi‑NCR and beyond
• Local employment: Opportunities for hospitality, guiding, conservation jobs, and homestays in nearby villages
• Conservation: Protecting Aravalli biodiversity with 180 bird species, 15 mammals, 29 reptiles/aquatic species, and 57 butterfly species

Environmental Concerns

• A revised plan scaled the initial 10,000 acres to a 2,500–3,000-acre first phase to address ecological concerns and safeguard dense forest patches

• No lockers or storage facilities: Security staff refuse entry with personal items, but no lockers are available. Families are forced to leave one member outside to guard belongings

Why These Restrictions?

• Officials cite concerns over littering and damage to the new grass, lighting, and park infrastructure. Shared blankets and food were reportedly causing significant wear and tear .
• These steps follow the Central Vista Avenue redevelopment, aiming to preserve the grounds and enhance security

Visitor Reactions

Many Delhiites and tourists have expressed disappointment:
We came here with my friends and family…and there’s no locker facility. What are we supposed to do I returned to India Gate today after five years…I was enjoying ice‑cream…The police guys now don’t let families sit in the parks and have meals

From Reddit users: India gate has become un‑visitable…Its lawns were used to be nice place to picnic when I was kid. Now it is just another tourist destination

Impact on the Experience

• Families can no longer picnic or spend relaxed evenings on the lawns.
• Street food culture has diminished—vendors were previously common and beloved for snacks around the monument
• Pet owners and cyclists are upset; even small pets are barred from entry

What’s Still Allowed?

• Visitors can walk along the grounds, enjoy the architecture, take photos, and use benches under strict conditions.
• Designated vending zones exist along Central Vista for approved vendors and ice-cream stalls—though none on the lawns themselves
• Heightened security measures include CCTV monitoring and patrols

Outlook

Currently, no timeline has been announced for lifting the restrictions. Authorities seem to be prioritizing:

1. Preserving landscaping and park infrastructure
2. Maintaining high security around a high-profile site
3. Controlling crowd behavior and minimizing littering

However, many argue that without storage solutions or alternatives, the restrictions unfairly penalize families and casual visitors.