NewKerala.com

Ganga, Indus Host Water Sports as States Adopt National Safety Standards

Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat informed the Lok Sabha that several National Waterways, including the Ganga and Indus, are being utilized by state governments for water sports activities. He stated that the National Institute of Water Sports has developed comprehensive safety standards and SOPs for these activities. These standards have been adopted by states and UTs like Goa, Gujarat, Odisha, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which enforce them through local committees and teams. However, the minister clarified that there is currently no formal proposal with the Tourism Ministry to develop water sports across all 111 declared National Waterways.

Key Points: National Waterways Like Ganga, Indus Used for Water Sports

  • Ganga & Indus among waterways used
  • Safety standards developed by NIWS-IITTM
  • States like Goa, Gujarat adopt SOPs
  • No formal proposal for all 111 waterways
2 min read

Ganga, Indus among National Waterways hosting water sports: Gajendra Singh Shekhawat

Union Minister Shekhawat informs Lok Sabha that states are using major rivers for water sports with safety standards from NIWS-IITTM.

"At present, no formal proposal is with the Ministry of Tourism for exploring 111 declared National Waterways for water sports. - Gajendra Singh Shekhawat"

New Delhi, March 30

Several National Waterways, including the Ganga, Sutlej an Indus, are being utilised for water sports activities by respective state governments while implementing safety standards developed by the National Institute of Water Sports - Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management, the Lok Sabha was informed on Monday.

Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, in a written reply, said the National Waterways already being utilised for water sports include, inter alia: Ganga (Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand), Sutlej (Himachal Pradesh), Indus (Ladakh), Chenab, Godavari, Kaveri, Krishna, Mahanadi, Narmada, Sabarmati, Netravati, Sharavati, Tungabhadra, Mandovi, Chapora, Ghataprabha, Ravi and canal systems in Kerala.

He, however, said, "At present, no formal proposal is with the Ministry of Tourism for exploring 111 declared National Waterways for water sports."

He said NIWS-IITTM has developed comprehensive safety standards and SOPs for various water sports activities.

"These have been adopted/incorporated by several States/UTs in their respective water sports and adventure tourism policies. Technical support has been provided to States/UTs such as Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Goa, Gujarat, Odisha and Puducherry," he said.

Shekhawat said the enforcement of safety regulations rests with the respective State/UT governments. These include Tourist Police in Goa, Tourist Safety Enforcement Team (TSET) in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, State and District-level Adventure Tourism Committees in Gujarat and Odisha.

He said compliance with the safety standards is monitored by State/UT authorities through periodic inspections, audits and enforcement teams as per their respective guidelines.

The Ministry of Tourism, through its autonomous institute "National Institute of Water Sports (NIWS-IITTM)", conducts courses related to scuba diving, diving, surfing, parasailing, canoeing and other water sports, he said.

The NIWS-IITTM is the nodal Government institution for training, certification and capacity building in water sports in India.

In the written reply, the Minister said that, at present, no formal proposal is with the Ministry of Tourism for the development of water sports infrastructure in Coastal Karnataka.

"However, some States/UTs such as Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Gujarat and Odisha have approached NIWS-IITTM for the establishment of satellite centres to support capacity building and safe water-based tourism," said Shekhawat.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good to see safety standards being developed by NIWS. Water sports can be risky, and having proper SOPs is crucial. The state-level enforcement teams like in Goa and Gujarat sound promising.
A
Aman W
While promoting tourism is good, I have a respectful criticism. The article says no formal proposal exists for exploring all 111 waterways. Shouldn't there be a more proactive, centralized plan? Feels a bit ad-hoc right now.
S
Sarah B
As someone who loves adventure travel, this is exciting news! Can't wait to try kayaking on the Sutlej or surfing lessons certified by NIWS. Hope the infrastructure and training are accessible to all.
V
Vikram M
Utilizing our waterways for sports is a great idea, but the primary focus must remain on cleaning and rejuvenating them, especially Ma Ganga. Tourism and ecology must go hand-in-hand. Jai Hind!
K
Kavya N
Glad to see Ladakh's Indus on the list! This can be a huge boost for tourism in the Union Territory. Hope the local communities are involved and benefit directly from these activities.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50