Kerala resort to launch solar-powered boats

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, KERALA: Billed as a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Poovar Island Resort near Kovalam in Kerala is set to launch four solar-powered boats for its guests.

The boats, costing Rs.3.5 lakh each, would be officially launched by state Tourism Minister A.P. Anil Kumar on Thursday.

Speaking to IANS, M.R. Narayanan, co-owner of the resort that overlooks the sea and the Poovar lake, said: "To reach our resort, a two-km boat ride is essential and hitherto we were using kerosene-driven boats."

"The solar-powered boats are our own invention. We will not only save Rs.80,000 a month, but also the environment," said Narayanan Wednesday.

The 22-acre resort has 78 rooms besides a 25,000 square feet ayurvedic spa. It also has 14 state-of-the-art floating cottages that lie on the Poovar lake overlooking the Arabian sea.

"Another green initiative that will go live tomorrow (Thursday) is the thermic fluid system which uses all the dry waste in the resort to power the laundry system," said Narayanan.

The resort is also planning to set up a windmill to generate power.