Karwar: District In-charge Minister RV Deshpande informed that first international scuba diving festival will be organised on January 7 and 8 at Nethrani Island, in Murdeshwar in the district.

Addressing the meeting held with authorities over organising various festivals in the district, he asked officials to make systematic arrangements for the festival, along with wide publicity.

He directed officials to invite achievers in the field of scuba diving as special guests for the festival.

He further said the festival is being organised to promote tourism activities, and Rs 25 lakh fund has been released.

Likewise, Karavali Utsav will be held from December 8 to 10. The district level festival will be organised in Karwar, on December 10 followed by taluk level festivals at Haliyal and Honnavar on December 8 and 9 respectively.

As a part of three days festival, various cultural and entertaining competitions will be organised in Karwar. Officials have been directed to promote local artists, he added.

Hornbilli Festival will be organised on January 26 and 27 at Dandeli. The safari, river rafting and other facilities will be provided at public, he said.

Superintendent of Police Vinayak V Patil, CCF Ashok Basarkod, Zilla Panchayat President Jayashree Moger, MLA Satish Sail, Deputy Commissioner SS Nakul, Zilla Panchayat CEO L Chandrashekar Naik and other officials were presented.

DHNS