Promoting tourism in PPP model

■ This project, undertaken by NRI Company Water Sports Simple India

■ Introduction of water taxis and speed boats in the reservoir

■ In subsequent phases, addition of water sports, houseboats, and floating cottages to be added

■ The company is investing approximately Rs. 5 crores in developing these boating facilities

KIRANMAI TUTIKA | VIZIANAGARAM

For water sports lovers there is some exciting news. Adventure water sports was inaugurated by State SERP, Small Industries, and NRI Affairs Minister Kondapalli Srinivas at the Thatipudi Reservoir in Gantyada Mandal here on Friday.

Developed on a Private Public Partnership (PPP) model, the project is being developed by NRI Company-Water Sports Simple India, is a testament to that commitment. The initial phase of adventure water sports includes the introduction of water taxis and speed boats in the reservoir.

Subsequent phases will witness the addition of water sports, houseboats, and floating cottages. The company is investing approximately Rs. 5 crores in developing these boating facilities.

Minister Srinivas emphasized that local youth are being trained to operate the boats, providing them with employment opportunities. He assured that boating operations will adhere to stringent safety standards, comparable to those in the United States.

“In the coming days, we will enhance the visitor experience by providing amenities such as night lighting and restrooms,” the Minister said. He further highlighted that boat rides will serve as a major attraction for tourists traveling from Visakhapatnam to Araku.

The Minister also announced that efforts are underway to restore a boat facility for the tribal population of the lower Kondaparthi village, located on the opposite side of the reservoir, under the auspices of the Forest Department.

Minister Srinivas expressed his satisfaction that the foundation for tourism development was laid on the very day the government issued a notification in the name of Gorrepati Butchchi Apparao for the project. He acknowledged Apparao's significant contribution to the realization of the Thatipudi project.

Vizianagaram MLA Aditi Gajapati lauded the project, emphasizing its dual benefits: promoting tourism and creating employment opportunities for locals. She expressed her delight, stating that the reservoir's development will provide facilities for tourists reminiscent of the Bhadrachalam region.

G. Paparao, Executive Officer of Water Sports Simple, assured that all necessary safety measures, including the provision of life bags and life jackets, have been implemented.

He mentioned that the company has extensive experience in water sports management in Telangana, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh, and has hired only licensed operators from the National Institute of Water Sports.

■ The initial fleet includes two two-seater boats

■ One four-seater pedal boat

■ One five-seater boat

■ One 10-seater boat

■ A 16-seater water taxi

■ Tourists can enjoy boat rides from 9 AM to 6 PM daily

■ Ticket prices ranging from Rs. 100 to Rs. 200 depending on the boat type