Embark on a 51-day journey on MV Ganga Vilas, the world's longest eco-friendly river cruise. Starting from Varanasi and ending in Dibrugarh, the cruise covers a distance of 3200 km across 2 countries and 27 river systems while promoting sustainable tourism practices.

Varanasi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the world's longest river cruise, MV Ganga Vilas, virtually on Friday. The cruise will cover a distance of 3200 kilometers across 2 countries and 27 river systems, starting from Varanasi, UP and ending in Dibrugarh, Assam.

The MV Ganga Vilas, the world's longest eco-friendly river cruise, reduces the environmental impact of the ship and its operations by promoting sustainable tourism practices. The cruise is equipped with pollution-free systems and noise control technology for passengers.

As the MV Ganga Vilas navigates the rivers of India, it will spend 51 days showcasing its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. The cruise ship is equipped with various facilities to make the journey environmentally friendly.

The MV Ganga Vilas is equipped with RO plants to generate fresh water for the ship's use. The plants desalinate, sterilize and source the water directly from the river, providing potable water for drinking and operational purposes.

Reverse osmosis (RO) plants are commonly used on cruise ships to purify river water for drinking and other uses. The RO process involves forcing river water through a membrane under high pressure, which removes impurities such as salt, bacteria, and dissolved solids. This allows the ship to produce its own potable water, reducing the need to carry large quantities of fresh water on board and the need to purchase water at port.

The cruise operators state on their website that they use electricity-driven rickshaws for all off-board excursions in cities and villages where the cruise makes pit stops along its journey. They claim that e-rickshaws not only reduce air pollution but also control noise pollution and help the locals earn a livelihood.

The ship is also equipped with hospital-grade sound suppressors, which reduce engine noise and protect the river's flora and fauna. The Ganga Vilas Cruise is also using Oil Water Separator (OWS) machines to separate oil from water and ensure that the waste water discharged into the river is safe and free from harmful chemicals. The ship will also have premium onboard Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) to treat the waste generated on the ship before it is released into the water or on land.

The MV Ganga Vilas is a pioneering example of sustainable tourism and a commitment to preserving the natural environment for future generations. The launch of this eco-friendly river cruise is a positive step forward for the travel industry and a model for other cruise operators to follow.

Updated On 13 Jan 2023 12:09 AM GMT
Anurag Tiwari

Anurag Tiwari

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