Government highlights training initiatives, safety frameworks and Khelo India Water Sports Festival to boost water-based tourism across India
Date: 30 March 2026 | New Delhi
Key Highlights
- National Institute of Water Sports leads training and certification
- No proposal yet for water sports infrastructure in Coastal Karnataka
- Several states seek satellite centres for capacity building
- Khelo India Water Sports Festival promotes competitive participation
- Multiple national waterways already used for water sports
- Safety SOPs developed for adventure tourism activities
News Article
India’s push to strengthen water-based tourism and adventure sports infrastructure continues to gain traction, with the Ministry of Tourism highlighting ongoing training initiatives, safety frameworks, and capacity-building efforts to support the growing segment.
The Ministry noted that its autonomous institute, the National Institute of Water Sports (NIWS–IITTM), conducts specialized courses in scuba diving, surfing, parasailing, canoeing and other water sports. The institute also serves as the nodal government body for training, certification, and capacity building in the sector.
However, the government clarified that no formal proposal has been received for developing water sports infrastructure in Coastal Karnataka, including Dakshin Kannada district.
Despite this, several regions including Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Gujarat and Odisha have approached the institute to establish satellite training centres, aimed at supporting safe and sustainable water tourism development.
To promote sporting infrastructure more broadly, financial assistance has been provided under the Khelo India Scheme and National Sports Development Fund, including support for swimming pool infrastructure in Karnataka.
Khelo India Water Sports Festival Boosts Visibility
The first Khelo India Water Sports Festival was held in Srinagar in August 2025 to expand participation and awareness. The event witnessed:
- 409 athletes participation
- Competitive sports: Kayaking & Canoeing, Rowing
- Demo sports: Water Skiing, Shikara Race, Dragon Boat
- Open age category competition
Top Medal Tally:
- Madhya Pradesh – 18 medals
- Odisha – 10 medals
- Kerala – 7 medals
National Waterways Already Supporting Water Sports
While no proposal exists to develop water sports across all 111 declared National Waterways, several rivers are already being utilized for activities. These include stretches of the Ganga, Godavari, Narmada, Kaveri, Krishna, Mahanadi, Mandovi, Chenab and Indus, among others.
Safety and Regulatory Framework
To support safe adventure tourism growth:
- NIWS has developed standard safety guidelines and SOPs
- Several states have adopted these in tourism policies
- Enforcement is handled by state-level agencies
- Periodic inspections and audits monitor compliance
Tourism & Hospitality Industry Impact
The expansion of training, safety standards and water-based tourism infrastructure is expected to:
- Boost coastal and river tourism
- Create adventure tourism opportunities
- Increase destination diversification
- Support hospitality demand in waterfront regions
The information was shared by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
