Nagpur Aqua Fest 2024: Concerns Over Environmental Impact of Aqua Sports
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The Nagpur Aqua Fest 2024, scheduled from October 12 to 14 at Futala Lake, is set to promote water tourism and adventure sports in Maharashtra. Inaugurated by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the event, organized by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), aims to boost tourism. The festival promises a variety of thrilling water activities, including boat safari, jet ski rides, sailing, kayaking, and scuba diving, which are expected to draw large crowds.
However, while the festival promotes tourism and entertainment, concerns are about its environmental impact on Futala Lake and surrounding water ecosystems. The recent issues about the Futala Fountain's algae raised issues about the credibility of the changes in that water body. Aqua sports, especially those involving motor vehicles like jet skis and speedboats, can have harmful consequences on the environment:
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Water Pollution: Motorized boats and jet skis release fuel residues, oils, and other pollutants into the water, which can damage the lake’s aquatic life and water quality.
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Disturbance to Wildlife: Noise and vibrations from watercraft can disturb local wildlife, particularly migratory birds and aquatic species that rely on calm and clean water habitats.
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Damage to Ecosystem: Activities like scuba diving and boating in sensitive areas can lead to habitat destruction, damaging plants, fish, and other organisms that are crucial to maintaining the ecosystem’s balance.
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Waste Management Issues: Large gatherings during such festivals often result in improper waste disposal, including plastics and other non-biodegradable materials, further polluting the lake and surrounding areas.
While the festival aims to highlight the importance of water conservation, the environmental risks associated with such large-scale water sports events cannot be ignored. It is crucial that the authorities implement strict guidelines for waste management, regulate motorized activities, and ensure that the natural ecosystem of Futala Lake is preserved to prevent long-term damage.
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