Solar-Powered Boats to Be Operated in Chilika Soon

Bhubaneswar: Solar powered or battery powered boats will be operated in Chilika soon to reduce pollution and carbon emissions in the lake.

In a meeting held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Pradeep Jena, various proposals from Odisha Renewable Energy Development Agency (OREDA) were discussed.

Fishing and tourist boats will undergo necessary modifications in construction style to convert them into solar powered electric boats. Awareness will be created among fishermen, tourist boatmen who will be benefited for this.

The OREDA will implement this pilot project in collaboration with Energy Department, OTDC, Fisheries and Animal Resources Department, Forest & Environment and Climate Change Department.

Chilika is the largest salt lake in Asia. It is listed as a ‘Ramsar Wetland of International Importance’ as it is a habitat for many species of native and migratory birds. The lake serves as an important stopover for thousands of migratory birds on their long journeys. Chilika has a unique identity as the home of various species of fish, crabs, shrimps and other aquatic life along with the rare Irrawaddy dolphin fish.