Snorkeling needs to be regulated: Chhagan Bhujbal

Unauthorised snorkeling along the Maharashtra coast is needed to be checked, according to state tourism minister, Chhagan Bhujbal.

"Illegal snorkeling can put the lives of tourists at risk," Bhujbal said here last week, adding that his department was planning to make Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) a recommending body for allowing private snorkeling facilities, so that this popular underwater activity can be regulated.

Need of the hour was to curb the risks involved and develop the sport at international standards, he said.

Illegal snorkeling was rampant in Malawan and other parts of Konkan, he said.

He said that Maharashtra Maritime Board had expressed willingness to impart snorkeling training. The Board was also ready to start scuba diving course in the MTDC premises.

Talking about tourism in Konkan, he said that there was a proposal to permit houseboats at Tarkarli and Aronda.

Permission had been sought to build jetties at Ganpati Pule, Guhagar, Murud, Harnai, Hareshwar, Tarkarli, Devbagh, and Murud-Janjira, he said.

The minister said he had asked the maritime board to undertake desilting in Tarkarli and Ganpatipule, so that high-speed boats can operate in the creek area.