Maha committed to develop boating industry: Bhujbal

Mumbai, Feb 24 (PTI) Stressing the need for creatinginfrastructure for setting up marinas (docking facilities forsmall boats), a senior state minister today said that theMaharashtra Government was committed to the development of theboating industry.

"There is a need for creating infrastructure fordeveloping the boating industry, which offers a hugepotential, particularly when the domestic economy is growingat a rapid pace," Maharashtra PWD and Tourism Minister,Chhagan Bhujbal, said at the Mumbai International Boat showhere today.

The Government plans to set up marinas along Maharashtracoastline, Bhujbal said, adding, "We are in talks with severalindustry players as well as the Maharashtra Maritime Board."

"It will not only boost tourism in the state but alsogenerate employment," he said.

Earlier, he inaugurated the three-day annual boat event,where industry players exhibit their boats and yachts.

A marina is a harbour with wharfs for keeping boats andyachts and with services for recreational boating. Facilitiessuch as refueling, washing and repair, parking lots forvehicles and boat trailers are the paraphernalia required tooperationalise a marina.