KOCHI: At a time when iPads, smart phones and ultra-thin laptops are the latest fad among Kochiites, the happiness of the families at Ulakampara might seem little misplaced. Capping a wait of 25 long years, these families finally had their greatest wish - electricity connection for their homes - granted. Power connection will officially be given to them on Monday morning. The swampy lands of Ulakampara lie on the eastern corner of Chakkaraparambu division under the Kochi Corporation, just as the boundary of the Thrikkakara Muncipality. On the patch of over 100 acres resides three families, one of Puthukkerithundi Krishnan, Puthukkerithundi Kunjan and of Motilal. “The promises on electricity connection were given decades ago. Most houses outside the area has had electricity for about 45 years now. The thick forests around the area has reduced habitation here and we lead a some-what deserted life. We could not even leave the place as there are no buyers for the land,” said Krishnan. The trouble to get electricity was not a simple one. They only had a few cents of the land in their procession while the major chunk belonged to a different owner.“Unless all the owners give permission, it is not possible to bring in power connection. The person who owned a vast portion of the land was away and there was no way to contact him,” said Krishnan. The three households have nine school-going children in their homes, who like their parents, have been taking their lessons by the light of a kerosene lamp. But, even for the KSEB, getting electricity here was no easy job. “Apart from the technicalities, the ground work to get the connection here was equally tough. The KSEB had to erect eight posts to bring in connection here. The funding was also done by the KSEB,” said Chakkaraparamb Councillor N A Shafeek.
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