The District Administration Office, Kaski, has urged businesses and operators involved in water tourism activities across Pokhara’s lakes, including Phewa Lake, to follow safety regulations and operate their services responsibly. The administration has emphasized the need to make boating, kayaking, and surfing boat activities safer and more systematic by ensuring compliance with existing laws.
In a public notice issued on Tuesday, the office outlined 15 safety related provisions for water tourism operators and participants. The guidelines aim to strengthen safety practices, regulate water based recreational activities, and protect the natural environment of Pokhara’s lakes.
Administration Calls for Registration and Mandatory Life Jackets
The District Administration Office has directed operators to register boats, kayaks, and surfing boats with the relevant authorities before providing services. Activities must be conducted in accordance with applicable legal requirements, rather than operating without proper registration or authorization. The notice makes clear that safety compliance is a responsibility of both service providers and operators.
The administration has also stressed that participation without a life jacket must be strictly prohibited. Businesses have been instructed to ensure that every person taking part in water tourism activities wears appropriate safety equipment. These measures are intended to reduce risks and improve protection for visitors enjoying water based recreation.
Special Safety Rules for Children and Water Sports Participants
The notice requires businesses to regularly monitor the condition and preparedness of customers before allowing them to participate in water tourism activities. Operators must pay attention to whether participants are in a suitable condition to undertake activities such as kayaking and surfing boat rides. This monitoring is expected to form part of routine safety management.
The administration has specifically requested that children below 16 years of age must not operate kayaks or surfing boats alone without parental supervision. It has also instructed operators to conduct kayaking and surfing boat activities only in designated areas. These provisions are intended to ensure that participants, particularly younger visitors, can enjoy water recreation under safer conditions.
Limits on Watercraft Operations and Environmental Protection
Water tourism businesses have been instructed not to operate more kayaks and surfing boats than the number approved by the relevant authorities. Operators must remain within their authorized limits and follow the designated arrangements for these activities. The administration has emphasized that recreational services should be managed systematically rather than expanded beyond approved capacity.
The notice also calls on businesses to conduct water tourism activities without harming the environmental cleanliness and natural beauty of Pokhara’s lakes. Maintaining the ecological condition of these water bodies is an important part of responsible tourism management. The guidelines therefore address both visitor safety and the need to protect the natural surroundings that attract tourists to Pokhara.
Water Activities Restricted During Adverse Weather Conditions
The administration has warned water tourism operators against running boats, kayaks, and surfing boats during strong winds, rainfall, or thunderstorms. Such weather conditions can create unpredictable situations on the water, increasing the risk of accidents and putting the safety of passengers and operators at risk. Businesses have therefore been instructed to suspend all relevant activities whenever adverse weather conditions occur. Operators are expected to prioritize visitor safety over commercial activities and resume services only when conditions are suitable.
The office has also cautioned that businesses failing to comply with the public notice could face legal action under prevailing laws. Operators who continue water-based activities without following the prescribed safety measures may be held accountable for violations. The administration’s 15-point safety guidelines aim to strengthen responsible operations, reduce risks for visitors, and improve the overall management of water tourism in Pokhara. By enforcing these measures, the authorities also seek to protect the natural environment and preserve the appeal of the city’s popular lakes as major tourism destinations.
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