Panaji:
The Goa government plans to start white water rafting in the Mhadei river inside Mhadei wildlife sanctuary, 100 kms north east of Panaji in Sattari taluka.
Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) Chairman Nilesh Cabral said the necessary permission to have the adventure sport along Surla village bordering Goa-Karnataka has been received.
"The permission is granted by the forest department for having white water rafting in that stretch of the river",Mr Cabral said.
Southern River Adventures and Sports Private Limited, a company owned by British national John Pollard, will be managing the facility in the wildlife sanctuary, which is a part of Western Ghat hill ranges.
Mr Pollard's company is managing a similar facility upstream near Dandeli village in Karnataka. GTDC would be developing a special package for adventure sports lovers, who can visit the wildlife sanctuary and stay at the hotel facility at Mayem, which is along the lake side, Mr Cabral said.
The Corporation officials feel that a large number of tourists can be attracted for the facility during the monsoon season because the shores are closed for swimming due to violent sea conditions.