Gujarat govt announces incentive scheme for new sports adventure units

Gandhinagar, 23 October 2013

The Gujarat government has announced incentive scheme for new adventure sport units in forest and mountain areas.

A 12-member state water and adventures sports tourism committee led by Principal Secretary of tourism department will give approval to such units through prescribed method, after scrutiny of safety and operating regulations. The committee will have tourism commissioner as member secretary and other concerned officials and experts as members.

Municipal Commissioners and district collectors will be empowered to give permission for non-mechanized water sports activities barring Narmada dam and main canal areas. Tenders in this regard will be issued by Gujarat Tourism Opportunities Limited(GUJTOP).

As per the incentive scheme, the district Collector will give possession of maximum 1,000 sqm land for ten years for temporary Eco-friendly supporting infrastructure for visitors. The agency will need to give minimum bank guarantee of Rs. 2 lakh and pay rent for using the land as per the revenue department norms.

The state government will give 10% of project’s capital cost or Rs. 25 lakh whatever minimum as subsidy. The government will also give 10% subsidy on the equipments purchased for the adventure unit or Rs. 2 crore, whatever minimum. Rs. 5 lakh or 10% of total expenditure for maintenance of equipments will also be given as subsidy every year. 10% of total expenditure for promotion or Rs. 2 lakh whatever minimum will be given as subsidy for first five years.

The unit operator will need to provide minimum Rs. 2 lakh insurance cover to each passenger/tourist. The unit will need to keep international standard equipments. All water sports equipments will need to have approval by registrar of shipping. Water sports staff will need to have life saving technique certificate, and boat operator will need to have power boat handling certificate. All life jackets must be approved by mercantile marine department. Water crafts will need to get registered with Gujarat Maritime Board(GMB).