Andhrapradesh – Anakapalli : In a unique protest highlighting their long-standing struggle for basic infrastructure, PVTG Kondhu tribal families living on Samalamma Hill in Anakapalli district undertook a horse march demanding road connectivity to their villages.
Around 22 Kondhu tribal families comprising nearly 120 people are living on the hilltop areas falling under the Ravikamatham and V. Madugula mandals. The tribal residents organised a nearly three-kilometre horse march from Bangaru Bandalu through Jeelugulova and Sompuram Bandalu towards Pasuvula Band village, drawing attention to their lack of proper roads.
The protesters said they have been repeatedly approaching authorities and elected representatives seeking a motorable road, but their pleas have not yielded results. They claimed that a proposal for a gravel road under the MGNREGS at an estimated cost of around ₹3 crore had been prepared, but funds were yet to be sanctioned.
The tribal residents also said they had personally submitted written representations to the MLA of the Chodavaram–Madugula constituency and made several appeals during visits to the constituency. However, they alleged that no funds had been allocated for the proposed road.
Expressing their anguish, the residents said, “Recognise us as human beings and provide us with basic facilities.” They questioned why people living in remote hill areas were being denied basic road connectivity even as major highways and other infrastructure projects were being developed across the country.
The protesters alleged that being residents of a non-Scheduled area had resulted in their problems receiving inadequate attention from the authorities. They pointed out that even roads for cattle movement in plain areas were being developed, while their communities continued to struggle without a basic walking and transport route.
The tribal residents said that 80 years after Independence, it was unfortunate that they were still deprived of basic amenities. They demanded immediate construction of a road, establishment of an Anganwadi centre, and appointment of an ASHA worker in their area.
Giribana Sangham district honorary president K. Govinda Rao, PVTG Sangham leaders Sedari Kameswara Rao, Gemili Vasu, Vanthala Dasu, Sedari Chilukamma, Sedari Rajababu, Kurra Balaraju and others participated in the protest.
