Govt to set up national scuba diving training centre in Puri dist
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Bhubaneswar: The state govt has decided to establish a
national scuba diving training centre
at Ramachandi in Puri district. The centre, which is likely to be commissioned next year, will offer professional
underwater rescue training
to emergency response personnel of the country, while promoting adventure tourism activities in the state.
The unit will operate under the
Odisha state watermanship and lifeguard institute
(OSWALI) at Ramachandi near the sea and Kusabhadra river. The govt has allocated Rs 5 crore to the state police housing corporation for constructing a diving tank and tower with decompression chamber, sources said. The tank will have glass panels for monitoring divers' safety underwater.
Since Feb 2014, OSWALI has been operating under the fire services directorate without proper infrastructure for teaching scuba and underwater rescue skills.
Currently, trainers use the Kusabhadra river and Bay of Bengal for practical instructions.
"We will have our own robust infrastructure at OSWALI where rescuers of various agencies from across the country can be trained on scuba diving and water rescue techniques. Our personnel, who are often sent to the Navy for diving training, will get trained at OSWALI," director general (fire services) Sudhansu Sarangi told TOI.
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The fire services department has decided to train their personnel on specific domains, including scuba diving, to attend to emergencies, like drowning. At least 2,064 drowning deaths were reported in water bodies across the state over the past three years, govt sources said.
While construction work of the scuba centre is underway, the advanced scuba training facility is scheduled for completion in 18 months. It will provide extensive training in various aspects of scuba diving, including rescue operations, underwater navigation and safety protocols.
Sarangi emphasised the importance of safety measures, referencing an incident on May 3, 2012, where an assistant fire officer drowned in Mahanadi river, Cuttack, during training with new underwater breathing apparatus.
Govt officials indicate this development will strengthen emergency response capabilities and create opportunities in the tourism sector, combining professional training with recreational activities.
"This project will serve dual purposes - strengthening our disaster response capabilities and boosting adventure tourism in the state. This facility may be developed as a hub for water sports and adventure activities," Sarangi said.
The centre will feature contemporary diving equipment, safety gear and classroom facilities. Internationally certified instructors will ensure training adheres to global standards.
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