Gujarat government new policy to boost aqua & adventure sport

The state government has announced a policy to encourage development of water sports and adventure sports in a bid to promote tourism in the state. The government has also announced financial assistance for these activities.

The government will encourage water sports on beaches, rivers, lakes, canals, creeks and other water bodies, and adventure sports activities in forest and mountain areas, a statement issued on Wednesday said.

Boat and water scooter, parasailing, water skiing and fun riding, jet ski, wind surfing & sailing, kayaking, canoeing and scuba diving, are some of the activities that will be encouraged in water sports.

The government has formed a 12-member state-level water and adventure sports tourism committee to approve mechanized water sports activities and all types of adventure sports activities. The committee will be headed by state’s tourism secretary and comprise officials of related departments and experts.

The approval for non-mechanized water sports activities will be given by the municipal commissioner in municipal corporation & urban development authority areas, and by the district collector in other parts of the district. However, water sports will not be permitted in Narmada dam and main canal.

Financial assistance for the new water and adventure sports activities. It will pay 10 % of the capital cost of the project or Rs25 lakh, whichever is lower. The state will also give subsidy of 10% of the cost of buying equipment or Rs2 crore, whichever is lower. The government will also pay the lower of 10% or Rs5 lakh towards annual maintenance cost. It will also pay the lower of 10% or Rs2 lakh spent towards the publicity cost for the first five years.