Bhopal. The Forest Department has taken an important initiative towards promoting solar energy and creating a pollution free environment of the state government. Solar boat operation has been started for the tourists of Satpura Tiger Reserve located in Madai of Narmadapuram district. This will be the first boat of the state, which will be operated by solar energy.
Additional Principal Chief Forest Conservator Wildlife and Area Director Satpura Tiger Reserve Mrs. Rakhi Nanda inaugurated the solar boat on 10 November. The solar boat has a capacity of 12 + 1 persons, which is equipped with 2 KW solar panels, two electric engines of 8 KW, 2 lithium ion battery systems of 16.5 KWH capacity. The solar boat has been manufactured by Navagathi Marine Design and Construction Pvt. Ltd. Ernakulam Kerala Company at a cost of 37.5 lakhs. He said that operation of solar boat will not only save petrol, but will also not cause pollution.
Shri Krishnamurthy said that due to the low noise of the electric engine in the solar boat, tourists will have a better experience in bird watching and wild animals will get a pollution free environment.
