The official operation of electric boats at Pichola Lake started on May 24,2024. Udaipur Municipal Corporation granted licenses to two 30-seater and one 20-seater luxury boats owned by Shiva Corporation, the new contract company, during the morning hours. Prior fitness approvals had been obtained from naval officers.

Upon receiving the green signal from the RTO, the boats were put into service. On the inaugural day, 387 tourists enjoyed rides on these electric boats. Additionally, another boat has been acquired by the contract company, with ongoing assembly work. Expectedly, it will also receive fitness and licensing by month-end. The company aims to introduce two more boats in June, expanding its number to 15 electric boats. 

Pichola Lake has been severely contaminated for a long time, with numerous complaints lodged by lake enthusiasts regarding the pollution. Hotel operators are running petrol and diesel boats, contributing to the pollution of the lake.

Currently, there are 45 boats operated by hotels, with only one hotel using two eco-friendly boats. The Municipal Corporation has stated that once all corporation-owned boats are replaced with electric ones, hotel operators will also be given notice to replace their petrol and diesel boats with electric ones.

Ultimatum Issued to Yash Amusement for Boat Removal

On the other side, Udaipur Municipal Corporation  has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to Yash Amusement, the former contract company, tasked with removing 18 diesel-petrol boats from the lake. Municipal officials and Home Guard personnel, equipped with cranes, visited the site; however, no action was taken. This incident follows a similar occurrence nearly three days ago, where efforts to remove the boats were unsuccessful.

Deputy Mayor Paras Singhvi credited Mayor GS Tank for spearheading the initiative in compliance with High Court directives. The role of the District Collector in facilitating licensing and other procedures has been commendable.