Odisha Govt To Introduce Solar-Powered Boats In Chilika Soon

Bhubaneswar: In order to streamline boat services in waterways, the Odisha government plans to introduce solar powered boats on experimental basis in Chilika lake soon.

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.

The secretary further said the Odisha Boat Rules would be changed after 19 years. As per the new regulations, only one type of boats will ply in the waterways across the state. The design of this boat has already been prepared with application of latest technology, said the secretary. These boats can transport passengers as well as goods in rivers, lakes and sea, she added.

The state government had formulated Odisha Boat Rules-2004 to ensure registration and checking of passenger and cargo boats. However, the Central government recently enacted Inland Vessel Act in August 2021 and Inland Vessel Rules in June 2022.

Hence, it has been decided to prepare Inland Vessel Rules for the state in accordance with the two new rules of the Centre through the National Inland Navigation Institute (NINI), Patna, a premier institute under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, and the Government of India as they have adequate experience in this sector.

As per suggestion of NINI, a stakeholders meeting was held for obtaining their views before drafting Inland Vessel Rules of the state, a release of the department stated.