MTDC to start scuba diving in Sindhudurg by October 2009

The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has initiated a scuba diving project in Sindhudurg on the Konkan coast under its coastal and Marine Tourism programme. Subodh Kinalekar, Manager of adventure sports, MTDC said, “The snorkeling activity started in 2007 has generated tremendous response with almost 40,000 to 50,000 tourists so far. We have earned approximately Rs 20 lakh so far. The next step is to start scuba diving by October this year.” According to a report in Times of India by Chitra Nair, besides MTDC also plans to explore the rich marine life of Konkan coast by initiating Marine Tourism project that will create awareness about nature conservation.

“The Sindhudurg Fort is surrounded by some old coral reefs that are approximately 400-500 years old. The area also has beautiful sargassum forest,” said Sarang Kulkarni, a marine biologist, who has been appointed by the MTDC as an advisor for the project. “Most of these corals are in shallow water and so do not need advanced training or equipment. There is no need to travel abroad when you get to snorkel and see some beautiful underwater sites so close to Mumbai that too at reasonable rates.