Kochi: Providing some relief to a farmer whose banana trees were felled by KSEB officials, claiming they were grazing a 220 KV transmission line passing from Idukki to Kothamangalam, the state government paid him Rs 3.5 lakh in damages.

Antony John MLA handed over the amount to the farmer K Thomas.

KSEB (Kerala State Electricity Board) personnel cut down over 400 banana trees planted by Thomas on his farm in Elangavam, Varappetty. His farm is situated near the Kandampara Lift Irrigation Project.

Thomas, who was targetting the Onam market, alleged that he did not get any warning or notice from the KSEB (against farming on a plot over which a high-tension line passes) and incurred a loss of Rs 4 lakh due to felling.

The news of the incident caused an uproar from various quarters, which later forced the ministers of electricity and agriculture to hold a meeting and decide to compensate the farmer.

KSEB personnel from the Line Maintenance Sub-Division Office (LMS) at Moolamattom claimed they felled the trees because they had grown tall and came in contact with the power line. This, an official said, caused disruptions in the power supply.

However, Thomas claimed he had farmed plantains on the same plot last year too and that it was harvested without trouble.

The Human Rights Commission registered a case suo motu. Though the inquiry report justified the actions of the KSEB personnel, it was decided to provide financial assistance to Thomas considering his harvest was destroyed without notifying him.

A decision was taken based on the report filed by a KSEB official, who visited the farm.

Per norms, short-term crops including plantain can be cultivated under 220 KV lines. Permission is also granted even to build a house under a tower line by ensuring a stipulated distance from the line.

The rule only stipulates tall trees must not be planted under the line.