In order to optimize the local and regional, socioeconomic and cultural benefits of rafting on Ganges in Uttarakhand without impacting the ecological and environmental assets of this Himalayan region, it is important to rationalize the annual and daily operating times and numbers of rafts and rafting camps. The appropriateness of this rapid study is justified for: making a quick assessment of
the ecological implications of the growing number of camps in Rishikesh-Kaudiyala stretch of the Ganges and the consequent impacts on wildlife; identifying the issues for triggering a more comprehensive and a systematic study subsequently and in providing some insight for the officials of the Uttarakhand State Forest
Department to develop management responses for wildlife conservation and to evolve an environmental management guideline which is inclusive of best practice code for regulating adventure tourism in this region.