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Elsie and Kuriakose’s farm at Pulinjalil, near Mananthavadi, Wynad is self-sufficient not only in vegetables and other agricultural products but also in electricity.  For they harness the power of a small waterfall near their house to generate electricity using a dynamo.

It was Kuriakose’s thoughts on the working principle of a bicycle dynamo that led to the development of the domestic power plant.  After their son Binu became a high school student and learned the fundamentals of electricity, Kuriakose’s dream showed signs of becoming reality.  Though they approached many persons, not even engineers showed interest in the rustic farmer’s idea.

Undaunted, they brought the water from the stream using PVC pipes and used a dynamo to produce electricity.  A simple scientific principle, but when their TV came alive with the first pictures after years of waiting, their joy knew no bounds. Battery is used to store the energy, which powers the TV and a few CFL lamps in their house. 

“There is no hope of electricity grid being extended to their place.  If the Panchayat takes the initiative, it is possible to provide electricity to the neighbouring houses with an investment of Rs.15000 per household.  We are ready to share the knowhow with any one for free,” says Binu.

Far off from town, with neither road nor electricity, the village of Pulinjalil had nothing to offer to these early settlers except the fertile soil. Says Elsie: “We are self-sufficient in food products.  Although farm products do not get much profit in Wynad, we do not have to buy anything from the outside either.  This fertile soil is a veritable boon.  With a will for hard work and the grace of God, one can live here without any worry.”

Binu, now a student of Polytechnic at Meenangadi, is working on improving the power generation and storage system.

Binu, Elsie and Kuriakose watching TV

Courtesy: Pradeep Ushus, Kumkumam, November 2003

Contributed by: Administrator

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