Cuttack: Among several new attractive features of the Bali Jatra in Odisha’s Cuttack city this year, the water sports has become a turned a major draw among the visitors.
The Bali Jatra, which was opened to public on Wednesday after a break of 2 years due to COVID pandemic, has been drawing huge crowd. Keeping the rise in footfall, the stakeholders have come up with several additional attractions for entertainment of the visitors. Among the new features, the water sports on the vast expanse of river Mahanadi has been highly popular.
Speaking to the media on the event, eminent scuba diver Shabir Bux said arrangements have been made for different kinds of water sports. “We have made all arrangements to ensure entertainment of the participants. Those, who want to experience the thrill and fun of speed, we have high speed boats. Similarly, for old people and children, we have normal speed boats that can move across at slow pace to enjoy the natural surrounding of the Mahanadi,” said Bux.
Besides speed boats, there are two-seater and four-seater paddle boats and banana boats which can carry 6 people at a time. For those interested in individual adventure, there is also the arrangement of kayaks, Bux said.
Since the water sports has been introduced in the Bali Jatra this year, adequate security measures for safety of the people participating in it have been taken. “Since the security of the participants is our top priority, it is handled by professionals having experience in sea activities. Akbar Khan, former Petty Officer of the Indian Navy, is functioning as the operator of the sports. He is assisted by several former Indian Navy personnel,” he said.
It has been mandatory for the visitors to wear life jacket before going in high speed boats into the river. “On the opening day, 60 rides were carried out in the Mahanadi. Though the features are not latest, the people of Odisha would definitely enjoy the water sports during the Bali Jatra,” hoped Bux.
