Electric boats in Varanasi, Ayodhya: UP plans to boost tourism
In an effort to enhance religious tourism, the Uttar Pradesh government plans to introduce electricity-powered boats and water adventure activities in Ayodhya and Varanasi. The official announcement revealed that four specialized electric boats will be launched initially in both cities. According to a statement reported by PTI, one air-conditioned electric boat with a capacity of 50 seats and two electric boats each with 30 seats will be operated from Nayaghat on the Saryu River in Ayodhya.
Electric boats to enhance tourist experience in Varanasi
The initiative extends to Varanasi as well, where a 50-seater air-conditioned electric boat will soon be available for tourists at Ravidas Ghat on the Ganga River. The advanced air-conditioned boats will feature a steel catamaran hull, while the non-air-conditioned models will use an FRP catamaran hull, as per the government's statement. Docking and charging facilities for these boats will be provided at the ghats, with operations managed by the Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation.
Electric boat operations to comply with tourism regulations
The electric boats will be leased for a period of 10 years and will adhere to regulations set by the Tourism department, the Inland Vessel Act, and international standards. The operation of these boats will follow guidelines established by the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance tourism while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance in Uttar Pradesh's religious sites.
National Mission for Clean Ganga approves projects for Uttar Pradesh
Meanwhile, The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has approved five projects worth ₹73 crore for Uttar Pradesh, as announced in its 56th executive committee meeting held in New Delhi. The meeting was chaired by Rajeev Kumar Mital, Director General of the NMCG. An official statement noted that the approved projects are pivotal to the improvement of the river's ecosystem as they ensure a minimized level of pollution in Ganga, thereby maintaining its cleanliness and ensuring its conservation.
IIT (BHU) to establish secretariat for clean rivers
Among the approved projects is the "Establishment of Secretariat for Smart Laboratory on Clean Rivers (SLCR) at Varanasi," which will be presented and controlled by IIT (BHU) under the supervision of the NMCG. This project aims to deploy global expertise and adopt sustainable practices to rejuvenate small rivers across the country. It seeks to create a balance between environment, economy, and society as a whole, according to an official statement.
Faecal sludge management project approved for Ganga river
Another approved project is the "Faecal Sludge Management for Abatement of Pollution of River Ganga at Dalmau, Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh," part of the Namami Gange Mission. This project aims to reduce river pollution by establishing an eight KLD Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant, along with a 15 KW Solar Power Plant and one Solar Inverter. The initiative underscores the government's commitment to maintaining the cleanliness and conservation of the Ganga River.
Sewerage project approved for Gulaothi, Uttar Pradesh
The NMCG has also approved a sewerage project aimed at cleaning the Ganga River in Gulaothi, located in the Bulandshahr district of Uttar Pradesh. This project is dedicated to preventing pollution in the East Kali River, a tributary of the Ganga that flows through eight districts of Uttar Pradesh. The initiative involves intercepting and diverting drains and sewage treatment works with a capacity of 10 MLD (million liters per day) at Gulaothi Town.
