Tamil Nadu Promotes Eco-Tourism with Solar-Powered Boat in Manimuthar Dam
To promote eco-tourism in the state, Tamil Nadu Forest Department has procured a state-of-the-art solar-powered boat in Manimuthar Dam, inside Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR) in Tirunelveli. The 26-seater boat, including two seats for the crew, is fabricated by Mahindra Group.
Solar-powered boat in Manimuthar Dam / Image: New Indian Express
KMTR administration had introduced this boat in the first quarter of last year in the dam to boost tourism. The solar-powered boat has been deployed to ferry tourists around the famous Manimuthar waterfalls, located inside the reserve forest of KMTR. The solar-powered boat, which has passed its trials at the Manimuthar Dam, will definitely attract tourists from near and far-flung places.
The boat, propelled by a lithium-ion battery, is 11.8-meter long and 4-meter wide. One of its unique aspects is that it consists of a German motor (20 KW) with a solar roof on top which can generate 3.8 KW of power. The solar roof will help the boat get partially charged while moving.
The field trials were successfully conducted with 24 people on board. After the trials in the largest reservoir of the district, the boat that is worth Rs 80 lakh, was formally commissioned by Deputy Director Kommu Omkaram. The boat will be taking the tourists deep into the dam’s water, encapsulated by the Western Ghats.
Solar-powered boat in Manimuthar Dam / Image: The Hindu
Mr. Omkaram said the boat performed well during the trials and met all the pre-set parameters. He further added that the boat is very easy to operate though it would be windy in Manimuthar Dam between June and September.
Under the Tamil Nadu Innovation Initiative, the Department of Forest received Rs 2.25 crore for promoting environmentally-friendly tourism activities in KMTR and a portion of this grant has been utilized for procuring this solar-powered boat.
It is an admirable step towards environmentally-friendly tourism in the state. Moreover, the tourists will be able to enjoy the natural beauty of Western Ghats without polluting the waters.
Via: The Hindu
