Karwar: Bhatkal MLA Sunil Naik said that scuba diving was an exciting adventure sport which offered a life-time experience. It also helped in promotion of tourism in the coast of Uttara Kannada district.

Speaking after inaugurating the Scuba Diving Festival organised by the district administration at Murdeshwar on Saturday, Naik said that there were only selected scuba diving spots across the globe and Murdeshwar (Netrani) was one such spot. He became aware of it when he had been on a trip to Nepal. The scuba diving at Murdeshwar had not received the expected response due to poor publicity. Therefore, people of Uttara Kannada and other districts must be made aware of it. Tourists must also be infused with courage and ensured that scuba diving at Netrani was safe.

Deputy Commissioner Harishkumar, in his introductory speech, said that the district administration was laying more stress on the development of tourism in Uttara Kannada district. But everything could not be done by the government alone. Individuals must also join hands for the success of scuba diving festival. This would boost tourism. All the efforts of holding Scuba Diving Festival will go waste if necessary publicity was not got.

He said that adrenaline junkies must come forward to engage in scuba diving in Murdeshwar. Expect Andaman, Scuba Diving was available in Murdeshwar only. The view offered here by the clear water was unmatched. Murdeshwar was the only systematic scuba diving centre. Netrani Island was also capable of becoming a world-class tourist destination. However, that was possible only if tourists showed interest.

Bhatkal Assistant Commissioner Sajid Mullara and officials of various departments were present on the occasion. After the stage programme, more than 50 people went to Netrani Island in three boats. After that, special training was given to those interested in scuba diving.

They were also taught about safety measures. The officials of the district administration also celebrated by participating in it.

Scuba diving by 50,000 people

"The Indian Navy personnel train those who want to engage in Scuba Diving at Netrani. Since 2011, more than 50,000 people have gone on a scuba diving here. The underwater biodiversity here is amazing and it needs to be conserved," said Karwar Deputy Conservator of Forests Vasant Reddy.