Illegal Water Sports Facility Demolished at Puri Beach After Safety Breach

Puri, May 28 : In a decisive move to ensure tourist safety, the Puri district administration on Tuesday demolished an unauthorized water sports facility operating in the Baliapanda area of Puri beach. The crackdown comes in the wake of a recent mishap involving a speedboat operated by the facility, which raised serious concerns about safety standards.

The facility, operating under the name Sky Dive Adventure and Water Sports, had been offering high-risk activities such as speedboat rides and skydiving experiences without the necessary authorisations or safety protocols.

Trouble surfaced last Saturday when a speedboat from the facility capsized, throwing all onboard passengers into the sea. Among the passengers were Snehasis Ganguly, brother of former Indian cricketer Sourav Ganguly, and his wife Arpita. Fortunately, quick action by local lifeguards ensured the safe rescue of all individuals involved. The Gangulys have since returned to Kolkata safely.

Following the incident, the district administration launched an inquiry into the operations of the facility. The investigation revealed that the establishment was functioning without proper licenses and had grossly inadequate safety measures in place for tourists.

Acting swiftly on the findings, officials moved to dismantle the illegal structure using a bulldozer. The demolition is part of a broader initiative by the local administration to regulate beachside tourism activities and enhance safety for visitors.

Authorities have reiterated their commitment to maintaining strict oversight of tourist facilities and have warned that any establishment found flouting safety norms will face immediate and severe action.

District officials have urged tourists to only engage in water sports through certified operators and to always prioritize safety over thrill.