Kerala: KSEB Chops Off 400 Banana Trees Before Harvest, Farmer Loses Rs 4 Lakh

As the Onam market countdown approached its final days, an astonishing incident sent shockwaves through Muvattupuzha - around 400 banana trees were allegedly felled without prior notice by KSEB. This act has left a distressed farmer counting a loss of Rs 4 lakh. The KSEB, on the other hand, explained that the action was taken as the banana leaves had encroached upon the high-tension line. However, the timing of this action, right before harvest, raises questions about the rationale behind the decision.

The unsettling incident unfolded last Friday in an area that had been dedicated to cultivation for years. Despite its long history of agricultural use, the banana trees were abruptly brought down without any advance warning.

The farmer expressed his frustration over the lack of communication from KSEB, emphasizing that they failed to approach him before chopping down such a substantial number of trees. Anish, the farmer, pointed out that with prior notification, alternative solutions might have been explored to avoid such extensive loss.

It's particularly disheartening to note that the bananas, meticulously grown for the upcoming Onam market, were the ones that bore the brunt of KSEB's action. Many of these trees were poised for harvest, their potential now dashed.

Anish calculates his financial setback to be around four lakh rupees due to this incident. Responding to the situation, Power Minister K Krishnankutty acknowledged the issue and directed the Director of Transmission to initiate an investigation. Pending the report, further steps will be taken to address the matter appropriately.