The Indian landmass is truly blessed. Richly endowed with natural resources and a canvas that boosts of unique water bodies ranging from pristine beaches and coastlines, to rivers, wetlands and a delta that is special to its region. There is a lot to explore and experience in terms of tourism options. However the question that arises is whether we are doing justice to the natural gifts, enjoying the specialities in a responsible and respectable fashion.
I recently returned from the unique ATOAI annual convention which was held in Uttarakhand, a region known for its special rafting experiences. The convention was designed in a way to give its delegates an opportunity to experience an active convention rather than being confined to a conference set up. Rafting is what we did, with the water of the Ganges playing host to our adventure aspirations. The convention strongly addressed the pressing need to take up adventure tourism rather seriously especially unique activities such as rafting, angling and skiing amongst many other experiences. The ATOAI committee went a step ahead and listed the crucial guidelines for undertaking rafting in a safe and secured manner. Training programmes and strict regulations are a must for those in the business of water sports, be it river water activities or the ones that are beach and coast related. A special book has also been actioned giving teeth to this very vital requirement.
Peninsular India has its well spread and diverse coastline from Gujarat to Orissa to West Bengal. The union territories of Andaman and Nicobar, Lakshadweep, Diu and Daman have their own water offerings for tourism to flourish. There is a lot that can be achieved but all we need is serious political support to get things sailing and flowing. The private sector seems to be ready with a robust masterplan to give India a unique identity as a water sports destination. All we need is washing out of the bureaucratic bottlenecks and ensuring we put into place a safe and sustainable water sports experience.
Reema Lokesh
Editor
