Four boats at Almatti’s Silver Lake and Kudalasangama now run on solar energy, promoting green tourism and cleaner waterways
Boats in Kudalasangama and Almatti are now equipped with solar panels
Vijayapura: Silver Lake, a popular tourist attraction within the Almatti Dam complex, has offered boating services since 2006. Kudalasangama, a major pilgrimage centre in neighbouring Bagalkot district, attracts lakhs of devotees and tourists every year. Now, four boats operating at these two destinations have been fitted with solar-panel roofs in a bid to reduce fuel consumption, promote renewable energy and minimise pollution.The initiative aims to create awareness about solar energy among visitors while making boat operations more self-reliant. Over the past four months, the boats have been using only minimal quantities of diesel and electricity, helping reduce both noise and water pollution.Contractor Basavaraj Anagwadi told TOI that 18 solar panels, motors and batteries were installed at a cost of Rs 44 lakh. “The investment is high, but we undertook it voluntarily to reduce water and noise pollution for the benefit of aquatic life and tourists. We have deployed two boats at Kudalasangama and two at Silver Lake in the Rock Garden area of Almatti. The savings in fuel costs may be modest, but we feel proud that we are reducing dependence on imported fuels such as petrol and diesel. North Karnataka receives abundant sunshine, and we want to make the best use of it,” he said.Anagwadi said stagnant water in Silver Lake was turning dark due to pollution from conventional boats that emitted heavy smoke. “We began looking for alternatives and found solar energy to be a better solution. Minister Vijayanand Kashappanavar, who visited the boats, appreciated the initiative,” he added.Mahesh Patil, range forest officer, KBJNL forest division, said adoption of such technology benefits both the environment and tourism. “The contractor has been entrusted with maintenance of the boats for three years. Though it was not part of the contract, he adopted the technology voluntarily. The initiative is also creating awareness about solar energy among visitors,” he said.Visitors have welcomed the move. Shivanand Bairapur, who visited Kudalasangama on Aug 15, said he was happy to see smokeless boats operating on the river. “Earlier, the boats emitted a lot of smoke,” he recalled.Sadashiv Shivayogi, a resident of Kudalasangama, said the pilgrimage centre has witnessed several eco-friendly initiatives in recent years. “Awareness campaigns have encouraged devotees to avoid using soap and shampoo while taking holy dips. This initiative will further support a sustainable ecosystem for fish and other aquatic species. The water is likely to become cleaner in the coming years,” he said.He also urged the govt to make solar-powered systems mandatory for boats operating in lakes, rivers and coastal waters across the state.
