Existential crisis haunts this village

A peek into rural hinterland

The total population of this village stands at 8,645, spread across 1,517 families, including 270 families of scheduled caste and tribes. More than 40 per cent of the households do not have toilets as part of their dwellings. Culturally vibrant, this village is bound to have the state’s attention focused on it. The main streets and street lights are in decent shape, but thanks to the Yuva melas organised ever so often, much is left to be done with facilities such as water, toilets, sanitation and hygiene and other basic issues.

There was ample opportunity to use it to improve the infrastructure, however, not much has been done. Though the authorities aim at improving drainage system and drinking water facilities, funds allocated for the purpose are short of estimated amount on this. Now, with funds up to Rs 15 lakh being approved, Grama Panchayat president Puttegowda says Rs 10 lakh will be used to construct Rajiv Gandhi Seva Kendra.

Only 600 houses have water connection despite the village having access to storage tank and taps lining the streets. Huge arrears have piled up on water tax, since not many families have paid up. Despite this, secretary Dayanand said they are striving to improve the facilities in the village.

The lone stage, sans any facilities to either light up or add audio systems, is where all events in the village are held. No attempts have been made to keep the open air auditorium in proper shape.

Elected representatives have not bothered to build another platform, though the government gives funds to create one stage in every village. As of today, authorities are struggling to create awareness about sanitation and safe drinking water, said youth leader Krishnegowda.

He was disappointed to see though the village was included in Suvarna Grama, it did not see much progress owing to the inability of its leaders and officers.