Facing labour shortage, TN palm climber designs Rs 60,000 spiral iron staircase

Tuticorin (Tamil Nadu), Jul 7 (PTI) In an innovative attempt to simplify palm tree climbing, a local labourer here has built a customised spiral staircase around a tree trunk, drawing widespread attention and praise. Dinakaraj (35), a resident of Salaiputhur village near Sathankulam in Thoothukudi district, belongs to a family that has traditionally been involved in the palm industry for generations. However, the sector is currently facing a severe shortage of skilled palm climbers. To address this challenge, Dinakaraj spent Rs 60,000 to construct a spiral iron staircase around a 55-foot-tall palmyra tree located near his house, similar to the design of residential staircases. His unique invention has left the locals deeply amazed. Speaking about his innovation, Dinakaraj said, "With these iron stairs built around the palmyra tree, anyone—from children to women—can effortlessly climb to the very top without any fear to extract "padaneer" (sweet palm sap). "Since there is a massive shortage of traditional palm climbers right now, this staircase will help tree owners reduce dependence on external labour," he added. PTI SNR SNR ROH