The hydel tourist resort at Mattupetti near Munnar in Idukki, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB), has switched to green energy. The battery-powered boats started operating at the Mattupetti Hydel Tourism Center on Tuesday, officials said.
Hydel Tourism Secretary Narendra Nath Velli said this is the first time that a hydel tourist destination under the Kerala Hydel Tourism Center (KHTC) has switched to green energy. “These boats are equipped with an 11 kilowatt (kW) Aquamot electric outboard and a 28 horsepower motor, which saves around 6,500 liters of petrol per month and an annual savings of Rs 700,000. In addition, this conversion will prevent the emission of 15 tons of carbon dioxide per year. The batteries of these boats can be charged by solar energy,” Verli said.
“The estimated cost of the boat is Rs 500,000. Each boat can accommodate up to 20 tourists on a 30-minute ride. Initially, one boat will be operated on a trial basis and if successful, all under the KHTC umbrella of ships will be switched to battery-powered ships,” the official said.
Officials said the shift to electric boats is expected to eliminate water, air and noise pollution associated with traditional petrol-powered boats at Mattupetti dam. The Mattupetti dam and its grounds are prime habitat for wild elephants and other animals.
Officials said over 59,000 tourists enjoyed the boating facilities at Mattupetti during the 2023-24 financial year. An average of 2,000 tourists visited this destination every day. “Currently, eight boats are used at the destination, including speedboats, but we plan to transition to battery-powered boats,” Verli said.
Officials said the shift from petrol catamarans to electric propulsion vessels at Mattupetti Dam is aimed at attracting tourists and promoting environmental friendliness in the tourism industry.
The Hydel Tourism Department has suspended boat services at Anairankar Dam Center on July 14, 2023, based on the directions of the Kerala High Court. An expert committee appointed by the HC said boating is a nuisance to wild elephants.
According to sources, switching to green energy boats at Mattupetty will help avoid problems like the one faced by the Anairankardam Center.
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