In 5 days' time, enjoy river sports on Hooghly

The City of Joy is soon going to be the centre of attraction for water sports on river Hooghly.

With only five days to go before the river sport begins, there is some good news too. The experience will be absolutely free of cost.

Kolkata Police, as a part of its Community Policing drive, are going to introduce water sports on Hooghly for the commoners.

One jet skiing or taking a ride on speed boats or enjoying a bumpy ride in Goa or Mandarmani is a common sight. But it can be hardly imagined replicating the same on the Hooghly. The extravaganza will begin from July 29. Initially, it will be made available on Saturdays and Sundays only. Mainly, the rides will be made available in the evenings. But it will not operate after sunset. However, no decision has been taken to keep it open on week days. But it may be brought under consideration if it proves to be a success.

Since one can enjoy the rides free-of-cost, they have to go through a registration process. The city police have provided a WhatsApp number — 8697970095 — through which registration can be done. One will be getting the opportunity on first-come-first-serve basis. One has to reach Babughat to enjoy the rides.

Later the top brass of the Kolkata Police would take the decision to make the registrations online.

The cops have also made elaborate arrangements to ensure safety and security of those enjoying the rides. Experts having certificates and clearances from competent authorities have been engaged to operate speed boats and jet skis on the river. They are also having experience of operating the same in Mandarmani and other places. Moreover, everyone has to put on life jackets. There will also be a standby boat with divers and competent officers to help in case of an emergency. The River Traffic section and Community Policing of the Kolkata Police are the nodal agencies to implement the entire project.

Waquar Raza, Deputy Commissioner (Port Division) said: "The Kolkata Police have taken the initiative as part of its Community Policing and to reach out to more people."

It may be mentioned that the initiative will improve the tourism potential of the area. It may be mentioned that the river bank has already become a tourist spot after being beautified by the Mamata Banerjee government soon after coming to power. Now, with this added attraction, more people will start visiting the place.