Mumbai, May 19 -- Maharashtra government has announced plans to gradually replace diesel powered boats operating near Mumbai's iconic Gateway of India with electric vessels to promote eco-friendly tourism.
The announcement was made by fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane who said that the project would begin with a selected group of beneficiaries and eventually help modernise the traditional boat fleet run largely by the city's Koli community.
The move is aimed at promoting eco-friendly tourism and reducing air and noise pollution in the harbor area, a major tourist hub.
"Currently, 97 licensed wooden boats operate in the Gateway of India area and boat owners spend up to Rs 1 lakh per month on diesel. There is a need to implement a special sch...