Paper boats launched to remind minister of pledge

Scores of ship models and boats were set sail yesterday on the Yamuna in Agra to remind Union Minister Nitin Gadkiri of his promise of starting a ferry service and steamers for tourists travelling to Agra. Members of the River Connect Campaign gathered at the Etmauddauala view point park to launch their boats. A large model of a ship made of iron was also released with banners that attracted the notice of tourists going to the Taj Mahal. Two years ago, Gadkiri had promised the Yamuna would be made navigable and tourists would be able to enjoy a ferry ride to see the Taj, but he seems to have forgotten his promise and Yamuna continues to flow dry and polluted, activists said.