Watersports soon at city beaches
The facilities such as kayaking, para-sailing, and water skiing will be made available at Marve, Manori, Versova and Juhu beach in Mumbai
The city’s watersports scene is all set to change as the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) has invited proposals for water sports activities at various coastal locations including those in Mumbai, Thane and Palghar.
The facilities such as kayaking, para-sailing, and water skiing will be made available at Marve, Manori, Versova and Juhu beach in Mumbai.
However, one of the most popular beaches in Maharashtra—the Girgaum Chowpatty — will be kept out as it comes under the control of the Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT).
The Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) has finalised the Maharashtra Water Sports Policy 2015 under which, while boosting tourism and ancillary activities take place, will also regulate the sector, at a rudimentary level.
The proposals will be evaluated on the basis of technical manpower, financial strength and availability of local staff. It will be necessary to deploy manpower trained at institutions like the National Institute of Water Sports, Royal Yachting Association and Yachting Association of India.
“In coastal tourism, water sports has huge potential,” Atul Patne, chief executive officer (CEO), MMB told DNA, adding they wanted to promote water and adventure sports.
Patne said they planned to launch water sports facilities at most sites by March - April. The MMB will levy a license fee on operators.
FEW LOCATIONS
Mumbai: Marve, Manori, Versova (Four and Seven Bungalows), Juhu Tara beachThane: Uttan, Retibunder and MothagaonPalghar: Vasai jetty, Gaymukh, Dahanu, Tarapur, Satpati, ArnalaRaigad: Murud, Srivardhan, Harihareshwar, DiveagarRatnagiri: Bhatye, Ganpatipule, Guhagar, Kelshi, BankotSindhudurg: Vengurla, Redi, Niwati, Malvan, Achara, Jaitapur