<p>Koppal: In the Anegundi area of Gangavati taluk, which offers numerous opportunities for tourism, the district administration is now providing skill training to young men operating coracles (harigolu), aiming to make them professional ‘ambigars’ (boatmen).</p><p>The district administration has devised a plan to develop water tourism in the areas of Anegundi, Virupapur Gadde, and Sanapur. Although many young people operate coracles on the Tungabhadra River, they lack professional training and many do not have licenses.</p><p>The administration is now focusing on imparting skills necessary to handle dangers encountered in water.</p><p>Traditionally, the task of operating coracles was passed down from grandfathers and fathers and is now continued by their families.</p><p>However, they lack the professional skills to handle emergencies in water. Therefore, the district administration has selected 20 young men from Anegundi, providing each with Rs 13,000 to undergo a 10-day water sports training at Ambigarahalli in K R Pet taluk, where the rivers Kaveri, Hemavati, and Lakshmana Tirtha converge.</p><p>The administration has spent a total of Rs 3.30 lakh on this initiative.</p><p><strong>Kayaking, rafting</strong></p><p>The training includes skills such as rescuing people from drowning, methods to save people in danger without any safety equipment up to 50 metres, and training in kayaking and rafting. This training commenced on December 6.</p><p>Following the start of training for Anegundi youth, more young people from the same area have requested the district administration to impart similar training to them.</p><p>The administration plans to invite those trained in water adventures to conduct water sports at the historic Huliker in Koppal.</p><p>The Youth Empowerment & Sports Department of Koppal is also interested in organising adventure sports in water and is consulting with organisations and government departments already conducting these activities.</p>
<p>Koppal: In the Anegundi area of Gangavati taluk, which offers numerous opportunities for tourism, the district administration is now providing skill training to young men operating coracles (harigolu), aiming to make them professional ‘ambigars’ (boatmen).</p><p>The district administration has devised a plan to develop water tourism in the areas of Anegundi, Virupapur Gadde, and Sanapur. Although many young people operate coracles on the Tungabhadra River, they lack professional training and many do not have licenses.</p><p>The administration is now focusing on imparting skills necessary to handle dangers encountered in water.</p><p>Traditionally, the task of operating coracles was passed down from grandfathers and fathers and is now continued by their families.</p><p>However, they lack the professional skills to handle emergencies in water. Therefore, the district administration has selected 20 young men from Anegundi, providing each with Rs 13,000 to undergo a 10-day water sports training at Ambigarahalli in K R Pet taluk, where the rivers Kaveri, Hemavati, and Lakshmana Tirtha converge.</p><p>The administration has spent a total of Rs 3.30 lakh on this initiative.</p><p><strong>Kayaking, rafting</strong></p><p>The training includes skills such as rescuing people from drowning, methods to save people in danger without any safety equipment up to 50 metres, and training in kayaking and rafting. This training commenced on December 6.</p><p>Following the start of training for Anegundi youth, more young people from the same area have requested the district administration to impart similar training to them.</p><p>The administration plans to invite those trained in water adventures to conduct water sports at the historic Huliker in Koppal.</p><p>The Youth Empowerment & Sports Department of Koppal is also interested in organising adventure sports in water and is consulting with organisations and government departments already conducting these activities.</p>