Take a plunge! Scuba diving at Nethrani beckons all
2 min read
Uttara Kannada: To create an awareness regarding the underwater diversity of state a two- day scuba diving festival is organised here.
For record, Uttara Kannada district administration offered a rich visual treat of colourful fish and coral reefs at the lesser known pristine Nethrani island to the visitors who were in awe.
Situated at a distance of 22 kms from the temple town of Murudeshwar, the island also known as pearl island or heart shaped island is a festival, jointly organised by the Uttara Kannada district administration and department of tourism during the weekends.
It started with Kite festival in Gokarna on February 22 and Scuba diving at Murudeshwara and will conclude with Kayaking festival at Dandeli in River Kali.
The plan is to showcase pristine Nethrani, which has crystal clear water, corals and ornamental fish diversity. Several senior officers and media persons were introduced to the aquatic life beneath the ocean.
Uttara Kannada DC K Harish Kumar said that “Nethrani offers myriad attractions in adventure and other spots of tourist interest in the lap of nature. There is still a huge potential for tourism, which has been left untapped srill. Though we have everything in hand to promote it as an international destination for scuba diving, the lack of publicity is the hurdle”, said DC.
DCF Vasanth Reddy who holds a credit of starting scuba diving in the state explained Nethrani forms a per cent of sea in Murudeshwar, but is rich in diversity with 14 corals and four types of sponges being sighted here.
” This is the only potential diving spot in Arabian sea, which has made it a popular destination for scuba diving. It is evident with almost 50,000 people taking the dive here”, said DCF.
While other such scuba diving spots over the world offer just a view of marine life, Nethrani promises adventure in scuba diving, said DCF.
Bhatkal MLA Sunil Naik inaugurated, while several government officials including DC and media persons also went under water to get a first hand experience of scuba diving.
– Team Mysoorunews
Mysooru News
