Strong wind destroys crops in parts of Krishnagiri district

Krishnagiri: A strong wind accompanied by rain, thunder and lightning damaged crops, trees and electricity infrastructure in Pochampally and surrounding areas in Krishnagiri district on Tuesday night.K Puthur village reported extensive losses where banana crops on farmland belonging to Murugan and Palani (each two acres) and Palani, Ayyappan and Appavu (each one acre) were damaged. “About five acres of banana and two acres of papaya crops were destroyed,” Murugan said. The crops were due for harvest in a few days.More than 100 coconut trees, a key source of livelihood in the area, were uprooted.Farmers demanded immediate inspection and compensation.The wind uprooted more than 10 electric poles, cutting off power supply to K Puthur and surrounding areas and plunging the village into darkness. “Electricity board employees were engaged in restoration work,” said an assistant engineer at Pochampally.