In the depths of the remote forest of Kudremukha National Park of Belthangady

Ermale is a small hamlet consisting of 10 houses of Malekudiya communities, an ethnic tribal family of this region. The forests being protected by the Karnataka Forest Department (KFD) meant that no power transmission lines could laid per the Karnataka Forest Act,1963.  It was just four years ago, this tribal community finally got electric supply from a conventional source, overhead power lines from MESCOM.

In earlier times, the Malekudiyas generated electricity through hydro power from the forceful water flow of a stream nearby and the solar means, both renewable sources.  But during the summer, the electricity generated is almost nil due to the depleting water levels in the streams.

“Even though the electric power lines are being installed, we don’t give up renewable sources of energy as there could be power outages during the monsoon”, says Shivappa Malekudiya.  PICO hydro is a term used for hydropower generation of under 5kW. These generators have proven to be useful in small, remote communities that require only a small amount of electricity. For those who are living in remote, hilly areas, where it is not possible to lay the power distribution transmission lines, this scheme is very useful.  Such hydropower units set up at a cost of Rs 2~3 lakh is capable of generating five kilowatts of electricity to meet the electricity demands of 10 houses in Ermale with financial assistance from the Central Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) – Government of India.

PICO hydropower plants showcase how sustainable energy solutions can coexist with nature, even in the most remote corners of our world by shedding light on the resilience of these communities and the positive impact of clean energy.

Shiva is an avid field explorer of history and the environment.

His blog, https://terrainnexplorer.com/ is a repository of fascinating stories and research.