Andhra Pradesh farmer develops hydro lift device without fuel use
A farmer from Andhra Pradesh, Kaikavolu village in Pedapudi mandal of Kakinada district has developed a hydro lift device that pumps water from lower to higher elevations using the kinetic energy of flowing water, without electricity, diesel or petrol.
Pampana Srinivas, who completed a fitter course at an ITI, developed the prototype through efforts that lasted nearly a decade. He said the idea was inspired by the difficulties faced by farmers in hilly regions in accessing water for irrigation.
The device was tested at the Vetlapalem check dam with financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh from the Atal Innovation Mission of KL University.
Srinivas was among 26 grassroots innovators selected from across the country and given recognition by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan at a recent event. He has also received the Best Grassroots Innovation award from Union science and technology minister Jitendra Singh.
The farmer said the present model can lift water to a height of 30 feet and is being upgraded to operate up to 100 feet and generate 10 KW of electricity. The machine can operate round the clock and has the capacity to lift nearly 2.5 million litres of water a day. The technology will be made available to farmers after the patent process is completed.
Srinivas had earlier participated in an international competition in Bangkok, Thailand, involving contestants from 30 countries, where he received medals and certificates of appreciation.
Kakinada collector Harendhira Prasad said iron turbines rotate with the force of water flowing through streams or check dams, while pumps driven through gearboxes use the mechanical energy to lift water to higher elevations.
