Dehradun, April 6 (IANS): The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has sought an explanation from the central and Uttarakhand governments over rafting activities in Rishikesh, an official said on Monday.

NGT chairperson Justice Swatantra Kumar issued notice on a petition filed by an NGO which sought closure of all such activities.

An official told IANS that a notice has been issued to the union ministry of water resources and ministry of environment and forests asking them to respond to the charges of rafting camps and adventure sports being conducted on the bank of river Ganga in Uttarakhand.

The Uttarakhand government has assured the tribunal that no fresh licence would be issued to rafting camps.

Social Action for Forest and Environment, an NGO has alleged that the state government had turned a blind eye to environmental threats and pollution risks in the area and was on a licence granting spree to adventure sports companies, including those promoting rafting.

The next date for the hearing has been fixed for May 8.