
Kodumon (Pathanamthitta): A new type of bulletless gun has been introduced to get rid of wild boars which cause headache for the farmers. The PVC based equipment is available in shops, but Aikkad native Jithin (26) made one on his own for a lower rate.
Normally, firecrackers are used to drive away wild boars. However, the increasing the price of crackers and the threat to the farmers during the explosion discourage the farmers from using this technique. The bulletless gun comes in handy in such situations.
Jithin, son of Jayakumar and Rama, developed the bulletless gun using PVC pipe that creates only the sound of firing. The PVC gun is widely used by farmers in Kodumon and nearby places. The gun costs Rs 1500 in shops, but Jithin made it at the cost of only Rs 1000.
Two PVC pipes with 4 inch and 2 inch sizes, a gas lighter, carbide used for welding and water are required for making the gun. When the gas lighter is turned on, a gas is produced from carbide and water and this creates the sound of firing.
Wild boars run away from farms on hearing the firing sound at night, Jithin said. He has completed fire and safety course. He made the bulletless gun observing the one bought by his neighbour. He has already made two similar guns for other farmers.