PM Narendra Modi to launch solar-powered boats in Varanasi today

Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will depart for his Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi on Sunday where he will launch solar-powered boats for running on river Ganga apart from distributing 1,000 e-rickshaws. PM Modi will provide free LPG connections on the base of PMUY scheme to people who suffer under line of poverty in the country. In India, at least more than five crore people live here under the poverty line. From Ballia, the Prime Minister will go back to Varanasi where will preside over a function to distribute 1000 e-rickshaws to beneficiaries at Diesel Locomotive Works ground. Modi will then visit "Jnana Pravaha", which is the centre of cultural studies and research, in Samne Ghat area. The centre was founded in 1997 by city-borne philanthropist Bimla Poddar, who was conferred with Padma Shri last year. The Prime Minister will thereafter head to the Assi Ghat on river Ganga, where he will launch 11 solar-powered "e-boats". Widespread use of motorboats, mostly powered by diesel, has been a cause of concern in view of the alarming pollution level in the holy river. The introduction of "e-boats" is being seen as a remedial measure.