Tribals take to streets to vent out their frustration over officials' apathy

Anakapalli: Appealing to the authorities concerned, tribals of Rolugunta mandal in Anakapalli district took out a 'doli yatra' stretching up to 4-km.

On the eve of 'The International Day of the World's Indigenous People' observed on August 9, tribals of the region took to the streets to vent their frustration over officials' apathy towards resolving their long-pending issues.

Demanding proper roads in most of their hamlets and power supply to Nilabanda village, the tribals of the region took out a 'doli yatra'. Commencing from Nilabanda village, the doli yatra concluded at Jajulabanda, passing through Peddagaruvu village. Among a list of demands they brought forth, road stretching from Arla panchayat to Peddagaruvu, water supply, healthcare facility and power supply topped. Approximately 300 tribals belonging to the Kondh tribe reside in the tribal belt.

Back in 2020, the tribals pooled Rs.7 lakh as each household contributed Rs.10,000 to lay roads in their hamlet. However, the roads thus laid have been damaged due to recent rains. "When any of us fall sick, we need to carry the patient on a doli and trek kilometers to reach the health clinic. Recently, a tribal woman died as she could not be treated on time. Earlier too, there were many patients who died while shifting to the health facility," lament the tribals, who took out the protest, raising slogans 'palakara annalu, yennali doli mothalu' (voice out brothers, how long are you going to bear the burden of the doli).

Honorary president of Andhra Pradesh Girijana Sangham Fifth Schedule Sadhana Committee K Govinda Rao, PTG Sangham president Kondatambelli Venkatarao, secretary Korra Subba Rao and member Korra Konda Babu mentioned that the voices of the tribals should be heard and the officials concerned should step forward to provide basic amenities and resolve their woes.