26-year-old Suresh had 2 years ago produced a micro version of the hydroelectric project to light 20 bulbs. It was this success that had emboldened him to try for a bigger project. When the villagers turned out to be keen stakeholders, things started moving rapidly.

The machinery was placed on the banks of Kottappuzha. 2 pipes, 250 m long convey water to turn the turbine. The 2 KV motor is capable of producing power to light 70 bulbs. If the pipes are extended, then the production can be further increased, says Suresh. So far an amout of Rs.118000 has been spent for the project, which has been liberally sponsored by the local people. The fabrication of the fan cost Rs.28000.

When the authorities refused to bring light to the village, one thought of an escape from the prison of darkness. That is how I came to apply my mind to the problem, says Suresh Kumar, who doubles as a tractor driver. He is the 10th child of Vasudevan and Kousalya of Valakkattuparambil.