Adilabad: Heavy rains brought boating for the first time to Adilabad town. The boating facility was made available at Khanapur tank by an enthusiastic entrepreneur.There is a proposal to develop the Khanapur tank as mini tank bund under the Mission Kakatiya.
Two pedalling boats have been made available for people who want to take a ride in the tank. Mr Sarfaraz Ahmed, who operates the boats, said he had secured permission from the Telangana Tourism and precautions and safety measures were being implemented.
He said tourists were provided life jackets, tubes and lifebelts and a boat had been kept ready to tackle any emergency. He said they would hoist the Telangana state flag as an endpoint in the waters from where riders have to return. Children are charged Rs 30 and adults Rs 50 for a ride.
Mr Ahmed said they would arrange a horse riding facility soon to the children near Khanapur tank. Jogu Ravi, councillor of Ward No. 9, said the state government could develop the Khanapur tank as a tourist place by developing it as mini tank bund which could serve as a recreation centre to children and elders.
He said officials should clean the tank first as it is spreading foul smell discouraging the people from coming to the place and irrigation officials should take steps to remove the encroachments from the tank.
Abhiram, 11, of Bhrahmanwada who went for a boating ride with his parents expressed happiness over boating for the first time and said it would be a major entertainment for the children during holidays.
