Visakhapatnam: Tourism department will be calling tenders to appoint a consultant to prepare a detailed project report to set up water sports hub at Mangamaripeta beach that lies on the Bheemili beach road. The cost estimated to set up the water sports hub is Rs 2 crore. The consultant will have to prepare a detailed report for a jetty, landscaping, approach road and a restaurant at Mangamaripeta beach backwaters.

Water sports hub at Mangamaripeta beach was discussed at the district tourism council meet that was held rece-ntly where district collector Pravin Kumar had instructed the district tourism officials to begin the work to call tenders too appoint the consultant. “An architect agency need to be hired immediately to prepare a detailed plan to develop the water sports hub at Mangama-ripeta beach. Tourism officials should start the work on appointing the agency. A water sports hub at a cost of Rs 2 crore will definitely be an added attraction to the city,” said district collector Pravin Kumar.

Vizag beaches had always attracted foreigners who are surfing enthusiasts. However, with the Vizag’s coastal waters going from bad to worse due to sewage flowing into beaches, the surfers in Vizag city are expressing that the city beaches are no more paradise for surfing sport. The foreign tourists, who enjoy surfing in Rushikonda and a few other beaches whenever they visit Vizag city, are now thinking twice before venturing into sea due to increase in marine pollution.

It is learnt that the wavelength and rip-current at Chintapalle beach located in between Vizag and Vizianagaram is ideal to set up water sports academy to promote surfing and produce talented surfers.