Tadikoppa village, a tale of neglect and apathy

The lives of people in the backward village of Tadikoppa have not changed even after so many years of Independence. They remain cut off from the rest of the world when the region gets heavy rainfall during monsoon. The foothills of Pushpagiri hillock has been receiving heavy rainfall for the last few days.

The river Kumaradhara which originates from Pushpagiri hillock flows through the village and isolates the village from the neighbouring villages when it overflows. The village is situated 25-km away from the town. As no bridge is constructed across the river, the residents experience inconvenience. 

Tadikoppa village is situated in Bettadalli gram panchayat of Shanthalli hobli. Around 20 families reside. During summer, schoolchildren walk in the river with decline in water. However, during monsoon, they stay in their relatives house in the neighbouring villages to attend the school. The residents stock the food grains needed for three months during monsoon.

All the residents eke out their living in farm activities.

Inspite of hardwork on farm land, the farmers failed to reap the fruit. Owing to vagaries of nature, the coffee plants are affected with fruit rot disease. The cardamom in on the verge of extinct in the village with the disease affecting the plants. The farmers grow paddy, ginger and green chilly.

The residents have to carry the crop on their head to sell it in city. “After water level recedes in river Kumaradhara, we construct temporary hanging bridge across the river and streams. In 2010-11, the Bettadalli Gram panchayat had initiated a move to construct a bridge at an estimated cost of Rs five lakh. However, the work remained incomplete. The village has not seen good road. The village is reeling under darkness for the last 15 days,” said the villagers.

The residents said “we have to struggle to reach hospital in case of emergency during monsoon. With disruption in power supply, majority of the nights during monsoon is spent in kerosene lamp. If a bridge is constructed, then it will be of great help to us,” said residents.

Resident Rudramma said “the village is devoid of basic facilities. We only senior citizens live here. Our children have already migrated to cities. During monsoon we are literally cut off from the rest of the world. If the government ensure suitable facilities, we can lead a dignified life.”

Another resident Jayappa said “It is tough to venture into the villages during rain. Rivers will be full. We want proper road and bridge to reach our village. Why the government fails to construct roads and bridges in rural areas,” he asks.