The hydel tourism destination, under the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB), at Mattupetty, near Munnar, in Idukki, switched to green energy. According to officials, a battery-operated boat began service at the Mattupetty hydel tourism centre on Tuesday.
State Hydel Tourism Director Narendra Nath Veluri said that this is the first time a hydel tourism destination under the Kerala Hydel Tourism Centre (KHTC) is switching to green energy. “These boats are equipped with an 11-kilowatt (kW) aquamot electric outboard and a 28hp motor, a transformation that saves approximately 6,500 litres of petrol per month, resulting in a yearly savings of ₹7,00,000 lakh. Moreover, this conversion prevents the emission of 15 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. The batteries of these boats can be charged through solar energy,” said Mr. Veluri.
“The estimated cost of the boat is ₹50 lakh. Each boat can accommodate up to 20 tourists for a 30-minute ride. Initially, one boat will be used for service on a trial basis, and if it is successful, all boats under the KHTC will be switched to battery-operated boats,” said the official.
