DILEEP: PROVIDER OF ELECTRICITY TO 80 FAMILIES
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| Dileep, Mankulam, Munnar, Idukki 685612 |
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Here is an eye-opener: where Government has failed to provide electricity after investing lakhs of rupees, Dileep, an individual, has succeeded. His micro project supplies electricity to 80 families of Mankulam, Munnar, Idukki since April 2000.
In his project, water from a stream is stored near the waterfall at Kozhivalankuthu. This water is brought through penstock pipes to impinge on turbines kept in the powerhouse. The turbine, which would normally cost Rs. 8 lakhs has been fabricated by Dileep for just Rs.1.5 lakhs.
Between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m., the beneficiary families are permitted to use 6 CFL bulbs. If they switch on the TV, they have to switch off 4 lamps. After 10 p.m. they can use even motors.
Total expense for the project came to Rs. 4,70,000. The beneficiary families contributed Rs. 5000 each. A lineman has been appointed to look after maintenance works. The families contribute Rs.50 each per month towards his wages.
When the project was commissioned, the loss to Dileep was Rs. 70000! His friend and neighbour, Niravath Wilson contributed Rs. 4 lakhs initially. The beneficiaries have now formed a registered society, ‘Mankulam Integrated Development Awareness Society’ (MIDAS)
Dileep is now busy giving his Midas touch to another project at Mamalakkantam in Ernakulam District where about 6000 families live.
A view of the work at Mamalakkantam
Courtesy: Shibu Sankarathil, Mathrubhumi, November 20, 2001
Contributed by: Administrator
