Neglected tribals living in pathetic state

Inspite of government announcing welfare schemes for forest dwellers, life of several tribals living on the periphery of forest has not yet changed. A visit to tribal colony at Chennangi Basavanahalli reminds of the grim situation.

Hundreds of tribes reside in the colony and majority of them belong to Jenukuruba community. They own half acre land given by government. However, house is in pathetic condition with plastic sheet roof as protection from rain and sun.

The rain water seeps in during heavy downpour. As the house is situated on the periphery of forest, snakes are common. The colony has one borewell to quench the thirst. There are no proper roads. The electricity connection is a distant dream. Though solar lamps have been given they are of no use. The colony has Girijana Ashrama School.

The school wall has developed cracks and might collapse at any time. Though concrete road was developed from Chottepar a year ago, the road has developed cracks. The tribals are cultivating coffee on half acre land.

However, owing to acute shortage of water, they have dried up. To add to all these problems, Wild elephants menace continues in the region. “Inspite of government supplying nutritious food, children continue to suffer from anaemia,” said tribal leaders.