30-acre plot to emerge as centre of adventure water sports
A 30-acre piece of land on the Marina beach is likely to
emerge as a centre of adventure water sports for the city.
“We have conceived of a marina and are in discussions with
the PWD for land allocation. The discussions are still in the preliminary
stage, and a decision is yet to be arrived at,” a senior TTDC (Tamil Nadu
Tourism Development Corporation) official said.
The project may be similar to the marina in Kochi, the
official said, and would act as a berthing place for small ships and yachts,
even those from other places. Regattas could be conducted, and several sorts of
water sports such as sailing competitions may also be held, he said. “We could
also have some smaller ships making trips to Mamallapuram and Puducherry,” the
official said.
The TTDC has already tried various options to promote
adventure sports in Chennai and its outskirts. Adventure sports under public
private partnership at Island grounds and Mudaliarkuppam attracted a number of
visitors a few years ago.
Adventure sports offered on Island Grounds on a
public-private-partnership mode including reverse bungee jumping, rock wall
climbing, paint ball, dart board, net cricket, grease pole climbing, squad bike
and archery have been stopped.
Para-sailing and water skiing offered at Mudaliarkuppam have
also been stopped. Visitors had been offered a five minute para-sailing ride at
Rs.1,200 per person and water skiing at Rs.600 per person.
With the launch of adventure sports on the Marina Beach, the
number of foreign visitors is expected to increase. TTDC is likely to launch
other adventure sports such as hot air ballooning, water-kite flying and scuba
diving after studying response from visitors.
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