No push for infrastructure in Maoist-affected Kudlu

Nestled inside dense forest, it remains underdeveloped

The infamous landscape of Kudlu, which received negative acclaims for being the home village of one of the most sought after Maoist, Vikram Gowda, has continued to remain underdeveloped even after being in news for so many years for unwanted reasons.

The narrow stretches criss-crossing the main road creating confusions are the common features in the tiny hamlet that is situated faraway from Hebri. The basic infrastructure facilities are absolutely a distant dream with no schools and hospitals nearby. People are hoping for minimum basic comfort and security to be provided. Simultaneously, they have also accepted the reality of government’s apathetic attitude towards them.

Broken footbridges, a number of small streams flowing across the roads, dense forest on either side of the stretches, sparsely situated houses comprise the panoramic view of the little village. The inhabitants have lost faith in the administrative mechanism with no ray of hope left.

Suguna Gowda, sister of Vikram Gowda, told Deccan Herald that village lacked minimum basic facilities, which was very much essential for leading a normal life. “Even to get a grocery item we need to cover not less than five kilometres,” she added.

“Electricity was provided recently. There are no hospitals and schools nearby. We have to go to Hebri for schools and hospitals. There is one school in Megadde, which is about five kilometers from here.

However, students have to go to Hebri to study in class VIII. The hospitals are also in Hebri. Even for major illness, we do not have any other option than self medication. It is very difficult to go to Hebri Primary Health Centre,” she said.

Suguna added that the roads were now more or less motorable unlike earlier times. Most of the women in these areas go to cashew factories for work. The cashew factories are in between Seethanadhi and Kudlu. These are the main source of livelihood.

The women who struggle to meet their ends have to leave their houses early morning and walk through the mud roads, which are in dilapidated conditions to reach their destinations. Men work in farm fields for the livelihood. She said almost all are small land holders.

Hotelier Bhaskar Shetty says that he had not seen a single naxal in Kudlu in the past eight years.

He added that earlier they would come, posing as common man. They would come for alms.

However, recently the news of Maoists visiting the neighbouring villages of Ajjolli and Nadpalu has created fears in the minds of the people, he added.

Shetty said that the Maoist-affected areas should be developed and people in the region should be ensured security against the Naxals. He added that police had stopped harassing people now. “Whatsoever, it is the public who are the worst sufferers against the government apathy and the Maoist menace,” Shetty said.

Recently, Deputy Commissioner Dr Vishal said that government had not allotted any funds under the naxal rehabilitation package.

However, the pending funds from the previous allotments are being judiciously utilised, he added.