Tribal, Chenchu hamlets in pathetic state

Kurnool: The culture, traditions and even eating habits of tribals and Chenchus differ from others. All most all the habitations of these families are located in and around the forest and they feed their families depending on the availability of forest products. Most of the families are slowly but steadily changing their lifestyles.

But several of them are still dwelling in the forest, away from all amenities and facilities that are being extended by the State and central governments. As many as 147 tribal hamlets and 171 Chenchu Gudems are there in Kurnool district. Around 15,000 tribals and 6,912 families of Chenchu community are dwelling in forest.

More than 70 per cent tribals and Chenchus are still not able to enjoy their rights. They are said to be frequently subjected to harassment by officials of the Forest departments. The forest staff are not allowing them to enter the forest to collect honey, tree gum, gooseberries, tamarind and other commodities due to the strict rules of the Forest department.

There are no roads, drinking water facilities, lighting and medical facilities in several hamlets. It is learnt that the village and mandal-level officials have adopted the Thandas for their development. One N Shankar Naik, Sugali Hakkula Porata Samithi of Atmakur alleged that the government has failed to ensure facilities in Thandas and Gudems in the district.

There are no medical facilities till date and to avail the facility, the tribals and Chenchus have to travel 30 km to reach the dispensary at Atmakur. He said that former District Collector Ch Vijay Mohan had adopted Bairlooty, Nagalooty and Siddapuram and assured for their development. He had also sanctioned 160 houses but only 40 are under construction.

But, they were left incomplete. Former District SP A K Ravikrishna too visited these Thandas and conducted several awareness programmes. Several tribal habitations in Chagalamarri don’t have bus facilities.

Bills were not paid for the toilets constructed under Open Defecation Free (ODF) Scheme, he added. The Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) In-Charge Project Officer P Muralidhar speaking to The Hans India denied the allegations. He said that except two Gudems−Peccheruvu and Janala−all other Gudems are facilitated with all amenities.

These two Gudems are in deep forest and they have to travel about 30 km to reach them. In view of their hardships, they were rehabilitated at Kottala Cheruvu in Atmakur. Around 300 acres of land was allotted to them for their livelihood.

After staying for few days, they again went to their native hamlets, said the officer. He further said that the around 16 Chenchu community educated people were given employment at Srisailam Temple and 30 more are undergoing training at Kurnool in Medical and Health department.

By V Narendra Kumar