Dasara: water sports at two venues

Adventure sport enthusiasts can enjoy water sports at two venues this Dasara — KRS backwaters and Varuna Lake.

While the Youth Empowerment and Sports department and General Thimayya National Academy of Adventure will shift the Dasara water sports events to the KRS backwaters. The Tourism Department will launch its permanent water sports centre on October 5 at Varuna Lake. Water sports on Varuna lake will be a regular feature for five years as per the Budget proposal of 2018-19.

During Dasara, the Youth Empowerment and Sports department and General Thimayya National Academy of Adventure used to conduct various water sports on Varuna Lake but this time, Dasara water sports will be shifted to KRS backwaters. During 10 days of Dasara, water sports such as speedboat ride, banana ride, jet ski, canoeing, kayaking, and rafting will be conducted. Already, a technical committee has conducted a feasibility study to hold water sport events in KRS backwaters.

K Suresh, Assistant Director for Youth Empowerment and Sports said, "KRS backwaters has a high potential and there is huge scope for various water sports activities. Hence the department has decided to hold the Dasara water sports in the KRS backwaters."

"In view of attracting tourists, we are holding water sports in KRS backwaters. The department has plans to establish a water sports training centre for youth in future. The centre will certify that the youth are fit for water adventure sports. This will also create an employment opportunity for the youth," Suresh said.

Deputy Director for Tourism H P Janardhan said, "Earlier, only during Dasara water sports events were held. With the intention to attract tourists, to make water sports available throughout the year, the Tourism department has given tender to 'Outback Adventures', to run water sports activities for five years".

District in-charge Minister G T Devegowda and Tourism Minister ­­­­Sa Ra Mahesh will inaugurate the water sports activities in Varuna Lake on October 5.