Proper road connectivity remains a far cry for tribal communities in Edamalakudy, Vattavada panchayats

Ahead of the local body and Assembly elections, the lack of basic amenities in major tribal settlements in the hilly district of Idukki is again drawing criticism from the tribal community. Proper road connectivity remains a far cry for two Muthuvan tribal areas in Edamalakudy panchayat and five tribal settlements in Vattavada panchayat.

A report submitted to the Kerala government by State Special Branch pointed out that public unrest is mounting over the continued lack of essential facilities. in Edamalakudy.

Due to absence of proper roads, patients from Edamalakudy, Swamiyaralakudy, Koodallarkudy, Mele Valsappettykudy, Vayaltharakudy, and Parasukkadavukudy areas in Vattavada are transported on makeshift bamboo stretchers, according to local residents. Recently, an an elderly woman had to be carried on a makeshift stretcher for around 10 km through the dense forest to the nearest hospital at Mankulam. On August 21, a child lost his life. In another tragic incident, a delay in bringing an asthma patient to the family health centre in Societykudy in a similar manner caused her condition to deteriorate, leading to her death. “Tribespeople in the district have been demanding basic amenities and road connectivity for long. However, the authorities have failed to provide any assistance,” said a tribal member from Vattavada panchayat.

A meeting of tribal leaders from two wards in the Vattavada gram panchayat recently decided to boycott the upcoming elections. “A tribal head meeting (Ooru Kootam) in Vattavada decided to boycott the elections. To fill up the reservation posts, political parties need to field candidates from the five settlements. But no one is ready to contest the seats,” said a tribal member.

According to sources, the recent death of a five-year-old boy in the Koodallarkudy settlement within Edamalakkudy has become a sensitive issue for the panchayat. “The first tribal gram panchayat was formed exclusively for the Muthuvan community in 2010. However even after 15 years, the community struggles to access basic facilities. The intelligence wing report recommends an urgent government intervention to resolve the panchayat’s issues.