Low-hanging power lines burn oil palm crops, farmers seek relief

Oil palm farmers in Nalgonda are facing crop losses as tall trees come into contact with low-hanging power lines, causing fires. Farmers say they are also being forced to bear the cost of shifting the lines despite repeated complaints to electricity officials

Nalgonda: Oil palm farmers in the district are facing mounting losses due to low-hanging power lines passing over their fields. Many farmers say the tall oil palm trees are coming into contact with the lines, leading to fires that damage or destroy crops.

Apart from repeated fire incidents, farmers are also burdened with the cost of shifting the power lines. They say this has added to their financial stress.

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Earlier, fruit orchards in the region typically grew only up to eight to 10 feet. Power lines were installed accordingly at lower heights by Telangana Southern Power Distribution Company Limited.

However, with more farmers shifting to oil palm cultivation, tree heights have increased significantly, creating a new risk.

Oil Palm Farmers Society Nalgonda unit president R Guruva Reddy said several trees had been burnt after touching live wires. He added that over 75 farmers had reported similar incidents.

The problem worsens during strong winds and storms. Snapped lines often fall onto dry leaves, triggering fires across fields.

Farmers have taken up the issue with officials of Telangana Southern Power Distribution Company Limited. A representation was also submitted to G Chinna Reddy during a Prajavani programme.

Following this, the utility agreed to allow shifting of power lines, but only if farmers bear the cost individually. The usual 10 per cent supervision charges have been waived.

Farmers point out that the issue is not confined to Nalgonda. Similar problems are being reported from erstwhile Palamuru, Khammam and other districts.