Chikkamalle faces extreme water shortage

Chikkamalle village in the taluk has been reeling under an acute water shortage for the last six months. A pond in which rain water is frequently collected is the sole source of water for both humans and animals in the village.

When the water shortage became acute in the village, residents were forced to walk to neighbouring villages for water. But this has not been without problems.

In a zealous attempt to protect their own water supplies, there have been reported instances of borewell owners assaulting women who appeared to fetch water.

Naramma, a resident claims to have been beaten up by a borewell owner and had to resort to the drastic step of seeking police protection when going to fetch water.

To relieve the situation, the Gram Panchayat has been supplying water through tankers to the village. But the supplies have not been enough. Each household is admitted a mere five pots per day. With no other options, the residents are dependent on the pond for both potable and non-potable purposes.

Poor sanitation

Modern water harvesting techniques are also difficult in Chikkamalle village, as it suffers from poor sanitation. Drainage flows in front of homes, posing an epidemic hazard.  

Planned urban development promised by officals of the local government have not materialized. According to one resident, Saraswathama, politicians come to the village only during election time, make promises and then disappear.

Chikkamalle village, which comes under Huladahalli Gram Panchayat has a population of about 400 of whom 180 are voters.

A majority of the 50 households within the village belong to the Scheduled category.  Since there is no state transport in the remote village, local students have to travel to schools on foot.
There is also no local access to emergency medical services or hospitals.