Karwar: District in-charge Minister RV Deshpande has announced that an international-level scuba diving fest would be organised at Netrani Island located near Bhatkal this year.

Speaking at Independence Day function held here on Monday, he said that the events have begun to attract more tourists towards Uttara Kannada district. Water and adventure sports activities in Kali River in Karwar and at OM Beach near Gokarna will be started soon, he said.

Speaking of other developmental activities, he said that the land has been identified to develop a mini runway for an airstrip at Manaki in Kumta taluk. The state government is also extending all cooperation to implement Hubballi-Ankola railway line. Centre's approval is awaited for development of Tadadi port, he said.