Dalit village in Gauribidanur taluk neglected by authorities

Overcrowded, it lacks proper water supply and roads

An acute shortage of water, three families living in one house, no roads — This is the picture of Shambhukanagar village, which lacks nearly all basic facilities.

Shambhukanagar, which comes under the Idagur Gram Panchayat in Gauribidanur taluk was created as a result of the H Nagasandra land agitation, which took place in 1985. Two acres of land was given to 100 landless dalit families.

The protestors then had been under the impression that all basic facilities would be provided to the village. But after 28 years, the village remains in a state of neglect. “Most of the people living in this village belong to the Dalit community,” said Jayaram, a resident. “Though almost three decades have passed, roads here are not asphalted; no facility to supply drinking water; sanitation is not taken care of; drains are overflowing and not have been maintained. These conditions have led to an unhealthy atmosphere here.

People are forced to spend money on hospitals.”

Jayaram also said that the village lacks an anganwadi centre. “Nearly 20 children are being taught at a community hall. Moreover, walls of the houses have developed cracks.

At least three families live in one house. Though the population is growing, no facilities are given,” he added.

Another resident, Narasimha, said that the lack of civic facilities ha dmade life difficult in the village. “Residents, who are financially backward, also face problems like a lack of bathrooms and toilets. They are forced to depend on makeshift bathrooms.

Though there is a government primary school, it is being used as a cattle shed. Borewells have dried up and we face a severe shortage of water. But there is no one to set these problems right,” he said.