Nalsarovar Boating Set To Resume After Two-Year Halt, New Licensing System For Local Boatmen

Boating activities at Gujarat’s Nalsarovar are set to resume ahead of the winter migratory bird season, nearly two years after operations were suspended following the Harni boat tragedy in Vadodara.

According to reliable sources, the state government has made changes to the boating system at the bird sanctuary, with the Forest Department preparing to restart services through a contract-based model. The move is aimed at allowing tourists and bird enthusiasts to resume boating while introducing tighter controls over the operation.

Private Agencies To Operate Boats

Under the proposed system, private agencies are expected to be engaged to operate boating services at Nalsarovar. These agencies would use their own authorised boats for the activity.

The Forest Department is also preparing a licensing system for local boatmen who were previously dependent on tourism-related boating for their livelihoods. More than 350 boatmen have reportedly faced financial difficulties since boating was suspended.

The licensing arrangement is expected to allow local boatmen to continue earning a livelihood even after private agencies are brought into the operation.

Fate Of Nearly 400 Existing Boats Unclear

The proposed system has also raised concerns among local residents over the future of around 400 boats currently associated with Nalsarovar boating.

Locals fear that the existing boats could become redundant if private agencies are required to operate only their own authorised vessels.

The Forest Department is also expected to determine the type of boats that can be used, with local residents keen to see vessels that minimise disturbance to the sanctuary’s birdlife.

Boating Likely To Resume In Late October Or Early November

According to Forest Department sources, boating could restart in late October or early November, ahead of the peak winter season when migratory birds arrive at Nalsarovar.

The boating charges will be fixed by the Forest Department under the new system.

The move is particularly significant for tourists who visit Nalsarovar to experience its wetlands and migratory bird population. The route between the Nalsarovar shoreline and Dharabla Bet is considered suitable for boating.

New System Aims To Address Arbitrary Charges

The new arrangement is also expected to address complaints over arbitrary and excessive charges faced by tourists in the past.

Before the suspension, visitors had complained of being quoted amounts ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000 for boating trips, particularly after reaching the site.

With the Forest Department expected to fix the rates under the new system, tourists could get greater clarity on boating charges.

Local Livelihoods Remain A Key Concern

While the resumption of boating is expected to revive tourism-related activity at Nalsarovar, the impact on local livelihoods remains a major concern.

The suspension of boating for nearly two years has affected hundreds of boatmen and others dependent on tourist activity. The proposed licensing system is therefore being closely watched by the local community.

However, several details of the new boating arrangement, including the exact operating model, authorised boats and implementation of the licensing system, will become clear only after the Forest Department issues an official announcement.