People from Maoist-infested areas demand basic amenities

Villagers belonging to Maoist-infested areas submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner, here on Friday, demanding basic facilities like road, electricity and title deeds.

Residents from various villages in the limits of Sringeri and Koppa taluks met the DC at his office and put forth their aspirations before him and requested him to solve their problems.

The title deeds, which have been given to people as per Forest Rights Act have no recognition.

The banks will not consider the document, for issuing loans and the department of agriculture will not provide loans based upon the title deed, the villagers said.

They further requested the DC to provide bridges, street lights and electricity connections. The rule that the  electric lines could not be drawn in forest area, has turned out to be a bane for the villagers in the said areas. Hence, solar power facilities should be provided with, they urged. They questioned why electrification is not done in the areas surrounding Menasinahadya, even though the electric connection has been provided to Girijana residential school.

Electricity was provided to Horale, Kadagundi, Mundodi and Yadagunda, by installing turbines in flowing water. But, the turbines, which have been removed for maintenance, have vanished, they alleged and urged that the repair turbines should be reinstalled soon. The roads have been ridden by potholes, they added.

A resident Nazir said that the quality of road works in the area was poor. The government hospital in Megur is deprived of necessary facilities and there are no doctors and medicines.

Title deeds have not been provided to those who have been living from the last 20 years. The villagers have formed self help groups, but there is no availability of loans to purchase agricultural equipment. Hence, loans should be provided through DCC bank, he said.

The Deputy Commissioner assured that he will draw the attention of the government towards making the title deeds available to the eligible. The other problems will also be addressed to, by holding discussions with officials concerned, he said and added that a grievance meet will be conducted in villagers to listen to the problems of people.

Hagalaganchi Venkatesh, Ranganna, Thimmappa and Gopalakrishna were present among others.