Scuba diving in Goa, perhaps the only mainland state in India with facilities for this underwater sport, is set to receive a boost with the tourism department toying with a proposal to demarcate an exclusive area around the islands of St George and Grande Island to promote this activity.
The two picturesque islands off the Baina coast boast of some attractive corals, shells and fishes, besides several shipwrecks. Hundreds of tourists are being taken to the spots by a few dive operators during fair weather season from October to April every year.
“Formalizing an area for scuba diving will add to the state’s profile of being the best state for adventure tourism,” Elvis Gomes, director of tourism said.
While confirming that a proposal submitted by some scuba dive operators is being considered, he said that these activities are being carried on for more than a decade and an official demarcation will help promote the sport.
Goa has been recently declared as the best state for adventure tourism by a television channel.
In addition, two other tourism-related awards were also given. “Scuba diving, snorkelling, wind surfing and other water sports activities provide a good package for tourists,” Gomes said.
However, some technical matters and issues like clearance from the navy have to be sorted out. The scuba dive operators have to run from pillar to post in obtaining clearances from fisheries department, captain of ports, the respective village panchayat or civic body, navy and Mormugao Port Trust.
“It would help us do less paper work if there is a single window for processing our files,” an underwater sports operator said seeking anonymity.
If an exclusive area for scuba diving is demarcated, it will provide an official stamp to the underwater sport. “There are problems of insurance in case of an accident because improper NOCs are given,” sources said.
Andaman and Lakshadweep boast of a rich coral species and are much sought-after destinations for underwater activities. Closer home, Netrani off Karnataka coast is also a diving centre, but tourists are usually taken from Goa to the island as there are no resident dive operators in the neighbouring state.
Courtesy: TimesOf India
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