Bhubaneswar: In a bid to make the boat services in waterways safe and environment-friendly, the State government plans to introduce solar powered boats on experimental basis in Chilika lake soon.
An official of the Commerce and Transport Department today informed that the government plans to replace the mechanised boats in use in rivers, lakes, sea and water bodies with solar powered boats for transportation of passengers as well as goods.
It aims at reducing environmental pollution and transport cost of water communication. The solar powered boats will be introduced on pilot basis in Chilika lakh for 3 months, said Usha Padhee, secretary, Commerce and Transport department.
“It is expected to bring down the transport cost of mechanised boats by Rs 7 lakh per annum. If the pilot project becomes successful, it will be extended to other waterways in the state,” she added.
Padhee was speaking to the media on the sidelines a workshop organised for stakeholders, prior to drafting of the Odisha Boat Regulations.
