Pathanamthitta, Tuesday, June 21, 2011: Union Minister for Environment Jairam Ramesh will inaugurate this year’s Mahatma Gandhi boat race in the Pampa at Mannar on September 13.

N.Shylaj, programme committee general convener, said Chief Minister Oommen Chandy would present the Mahatma trophy to the winners.

Shylaj said as many as 40 boats, including 12 snake-boats, would take part in the boat race and mass drill in the Pampa. He said preparations had been made for the smooth conduct of the annual boat race.