Solar boats to enthrall tourists in Manimuthar dam

Boating in Manimuthar dam in Tirunelveli turned into a green initiative with the first of its kind solar powered boat pressed into service on the first day of New Year

On Wednesday, it was a different day out for scores of tourists, who thronged the dam and spent a great deal of time sailing on the solar powered boat. According to K Saravana Kumar, Forest Range Officer (in-charge) of Ambasamudram Range, which comes under Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR), the fibre boat, which is 11 meters in length and three meters in width, was designed by Mahindra Odyssea, Mumbai, at a cost of Rs 58 lakh to set sail on the dam.

The Forest Department has launched the initiative, which has received overwhelming response from tourists, through Tamil Nadu Innovation Initiatives (TANII) Scheme. The boat has seating capacity for 24.

Powered by twelve solar panels installed on the boat, it has a capacity to generate an electric charge of 450 volts to the battery equipped on it.

At present, the water level is 115 ft in the dam, which has a maximum capacity 118 ft. Only when the water level is conducive, boating operations would be carried out and if the level comes down below 50 ft such operations would be suspended, Saravana Kumar said.

On Wednesday, tourists took eight trips during the trial since morning hours. Life jackets, a key safety equipment were provided to those who boarded the boat. Besides, a team also patrolled along with the solar powered boat.

Based on the response from tourists, the department would decide on continuing boating operations in the dam, the officer said.

The fare for adult would be Rs 110 and for children Rs 55 for a 20 to 30-minute ride in the boat on the dam waters.

Further, the Range Officer said currently road infrastructure is being strengthened on a stretch of 6.8 km from Manimuthar check post to water falls area. Once the works were completed, the flow of tourists would increase, he added.