<p>An acute shortage of water, three families living in one house, no roads — This is the picture of Shambhukanagar village, which lacks nearly all basic facilities.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Shambhukanagar, which comes under the Idagur Gram Panchayat in Gauribidanur taluk was created as a result of the H Nagasandra land agitation, which took place in 1985. Two acres of land was given to 100 landless dalit families.<br /><br />The protestors then had been under the impression that all basic facilities would be provided to the village. But after 28 years, the village remains in a state of neglect. “Most of the people living in this village belong to the Dalit community,” said Jayaram, a resident. “Though almost three decades have passed, roads here are not asphalted; no facility to supply drinking water; sanitation is not taken care of; drains are overflowing and not have been maintained. These conditions have led to an unhealthy atmosphere here.<br /><br />People are forced to spend money on hospitals.”<br /><br />Jayaram also said that the village lacks an anganwadi centre. “Nearly 20 children are being taught at a community hall. Moreover, walls of the houses have developed cracks.<br /><br />At least three families live in one house. Though the population is growing, no facilities are given,” he added.<br /><br />Another resident, Narasimha, said that the lack of civic facilities ha dmade life difficult in the village. “Residents, who are financially backward, also face problems like a lack of bathrooms and toilets. They are forced to depend on makeshift bathrooms.<br /><br />Though there is a government primary school, it is being used as a cattle shed. Borewells have dried up and we face a severe shortage of water. But there is no one to set these problems right,” he said.<br /></p>
<p>An acute shortage of water, three families living in one house, no roads — This is the picture of Shambhukanagar village, which lacks nearly all basic facilities.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Shambhukanagar, which comes under the Idagur Gram Panchayat in Gauribidanur taluk was created as a result of the H Nagasandra land agitation, which took place in 1985. Two acres of land was given to 100 landless dalit families.<br /><br />The protestors then had been under the impression that all basic facilities would be provided to the village. But after 28 years, the village remains in a state of neglect. “Most of the people living in this village belong to the Dalit community,” said Jayaram, a resident. “Though almost three decades have passed, roads here are not asphalted; no facility to supply drinking water; sanitation is not taken care of; drains are overflowing and not have been maintained. These conditions have led to an unhealthy atmosphere here.<br /><br />People are forced to spend money on hospitals.”<br /><br />Jayaram also said that the village lacks an anganwadi centre. “Nearly 20 children are being taught at a community hall. Moreover, walls of the houses have developed cracks.<br /><br />At least three families live in one house. Though the population is growing, no facilities are given,” he added.<br /><br />Another resident, Narasimha, said that the lack of civic facilities ha dmade life difficult in the village. “Residents, who are financially backward, also face problems like a lack of bathrooms and toilets. They are forced to depend on makeshift bathrooms.<br /><br />Though there is a government primary school, it is being used as a cattle shed. Borewells have dried up and we face a severe shortage of water. But there is no one to set these problems right,” he said.<br /></p>