JOIN USA tiny hamlet of Avaregunda is situated only five kms away from Siddapura. However, the village is deprived of basic facilities.The total population of the village is 540. Around 80 per cent of the village comprises of tribals.
Deplorable condition of roads, wild elephant menace, shortage of drinking water and harassment of tribals by the forest officials are some of the major problems faced by the villagers. Though tribals are entitled for facilities under Forest Rights Act, the tribals residing in Avaregunda have not received any benefit. Even the forest department officials are not cooperating in availing the benefits.
The Community rights which enable the tribals to collect forest produce could not be materialised, said villagers. “The department official do not allow us to collect honey and mushrooms from the forest. Though we can rear fishes in lakes and grow medicinal plants, the officials have laid down restrictions.”
No caste certificates
About 70 families belonging to Soliga and Maratha communities have been residing in the region. None of the members of Maratha Nayaka community were issued with the caste certificate to avail benefits from the government. Due to lack of caste certificates, many youth aspiring for job and higher education have been deprived of government benefits.Tribal farmers association President and Gram Panchayat member M C Vasu said that the negligence of forest department official towards the development of tribals have made them to stay away from the mainstream of the society.
Water woes
The village has been facing acute shortage of water even after constructing a well and a 36,000 litre capacity water tank. A hut belonging to tribal farmers association is the only place where the villagers can conduct programmes. The demand for the construction of a community hall has not been fulfilled so far.