New transformer lights up lives in tribal village

Coimbatore: Less than a month after TOI reported the plight of tribals in Panapalli village, who depended on single phase electricity, a transformer installed by the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) became operational in the village on Monday.
It will provide the small tribal hamlet with uninterrupted three-phase electricity, Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited (TANGEDCO) assistant engineer Devarajan said. “We started the installation work on July 20, completed it on Sunday and switched it on Monday.”
Elders in the hamlet remember getting electricity for the first time three decades ago. A line was laid from Kondanurpudur tribal village to Panapalli. “As it was single phase, we received only enough voltage to light bulbs, which gave dim light. Due to this, our children, who studied under them, used to complain of eye pain. They could study only before the sunset or after sunrise,” said Jothi Nanjan, a resident.
Single phase electricity also made it difficult to operate borewells. “We struggled to get water to drink,” said R Selvam.
The residents heaved a huge sigh of relief when the transformer was switched on at 5.45pm. “The bulbs are finally burning at the brightness they are supposed to. Our houses look so different, lit up,” said a villager.
Grinders and mixers are also running at full speed, said Selvam. “Finally, we can make finely-grinded chutneys. Fans are also running at a speed we have never seen before.”