CESC Urges Coffee Growers to Keep Sprinklers Away from Power Lines in Kodagu

Sprinkler jet touching an overhead electric wire in a coffee estate, posing a risk of power tripping and electrical hazards. Photo: The Kodagu Express

Srimangala: The Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC) has issued an appeal to coffee growers in Kodagu, urging them to ensure that sprinkler jets used for irrigating coffee estates are installed at a safe distance from overhead power lines.

In a recent press release, the Srimangala CESC division said it had observed instances where water from high-pressure sprinkler jets was directly hitting electric wires. This has led to power lines coming into contact due to the force of water, resulting in tripping at distribution centres and temporary power disruptions in surrounding areas.

Kodagu, one of Karnataka’s major coffee-producing districts, relies heavily on irrigation during the dry months, particularly from January to April. While the region receives substantial rainfall during the monsoon, the post-monsoon and summer months often require artificial irrigation to protect blossoms and ensure healthy berry development. Many estates use sprinkler and jet irrigation systems to simulate rainfall, which is crucial for blossom showers and backing showers in coffee cultivation.

However, the increasing use of high-pressure sprinkler systems in plantations located close to power lines has raised safety concerns. According to CESC officials, when water from the jets strikes electric conductors, it can cause short circuits and automatic tripping at substations, affecting power supply to nearby villages and estates.

CESC has released a video advisory requesting farmers and estate owners to adjust sprinkler angles and maintain adequate clearance from electricity lines. Growers have been urged to regularly inspect irrigation systems and avoid directing water streams towards electric infrastructure.

Officials said cooperation from planters would help prevent outages, ensure worker safety, and maintain uninterrupted power supply across rural Kodagu.

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