Karwar (ENS): To attract more number of tourists to Karwar, various water sports activities are being introduced in the city.

After jet-ski, banana boat, parasailing, motor-sailing, now it is time for winch hang gliding. For the first time in India, winch hang gliding or payout winch boat hang gliding will be introduced on Kali River in Karwar. Hang gliding will be launched from a boat on river with the help of rope, after launching the hang glider the rope will be removed from the glider and it will roam in the sky for few times. Later its pilot will land it safely on water.

A couple of months back, the district administration of Uttara Kannada gave the nod for a plan to introduce hang gliding in the city. Pune-based Celestial Flights firm is investing in the project. Hang gliding equipment, costing around Rs 60 lakh, has already been brought to the city from Australia and the test riding will be done in a couple of days.

Speaking to reporters, captain Vidyadhar Vaidya of Celestial Flights said, “Equipment has arrived and we are refitting the glider. Within a couple of days we will have test drives on Kali River and post monsoon period tourists can enjoy hang gliding sport activities in the city.”

During pre-monsoon, it is not safe to launch hang gliding for tourists, he added. Deputy Commissioner S S Nakul said, “The Pune-based firm is ready to start winch hang gliding, and we have got per mission for the adventure.”