Eco Factor: Floating supermarket powered by solar energy.
With over 200,000 people living below sea level in the Kuttanad area of Kerala in India, the district authorities have set up a new facility allowing the residents to purchase goods from a floating supermarket that offers a wider range of items than those operating in Thailand, Vietnam and Venezuela. Unveiled by the Kerala State Cooperative Consumers Federation Ltd, the “Floating Triveni Super Store,” as the market has been christened, is set up on a 1000-sq-ft floating space aboard a 16m long and 6m wide boat.
The store will sell more than 2,000 items including essential commodities that are used on daily basis. The $100,000 boat was made from fiber steel and will take these items to the doorsteps of millions of people who till now didn’t have many choices when it came to shopping. The floating supermarket is powered entirely by a set of photovoltaic systems and is manned by a staff of eight, including the driver. The boat will allow a maximum of 15 consumers.
Via: TheHindu/DeccanHerald
