4 adventure activity operators in Shimla pulled up for offering services without permission, asked to remove all equipment within 7 days

Sharma said, “It has come to notice that in several locations, zip lines and other adventure activities are being operated without legal permission or registration. Such operations are completely illegal and in violation of the Himachal Pradesh Adventure Tourism Activities Rules, 2017, and the amended rules of 2021. The Tourism Department remains fully committed to ensuring tourist safety, and the action was taken as part of this ongoing effort.”

Accordingly, notices have been issued to the four operators, directing them to remove all equipment related to illegally operated activities within seven days. The Forest Department, Kotgarh, has also been asked not to permit the installation of any equipment or structures on forest land.

Sources said licences for operating zip lines and other adventure activities are issued by the Tourism Department.

Tourism Department officials informed that legal permission, technical inspection, safety certification, trained technical staff, insurance cover and strict compliance with safety standards are mandatory for conducting adventure activities. Operating such activities without approval is not only punishable under the law but also poses a serious threat to the safety of tourists and locals, they added.

In July this year, the Himachal Pradesh High Court directed that all unauthorised adventure activities in the state be stopped immediately and strict action be taken against violators.