Diddalli is a small hamlet in Channayanakote Gram Panchayat limits, devoid of basic infrastructure facilities.
The labourers who planted teak wood trees under Neduthopu yojana of the forest department in Devamacchi forest in 1972, were shifted to Nagapura and Channayanakote in 1982. The forest department had earmarked two acre land for the labourers to settle down. However, Diddalli does not boast of anything that a civilised society can. The tribals still reside in deplorable condition. The houses in which they reside are on the verge of collapse. The wild elephant menace is constantly threatening them. Electricity connection is still a distant dream to the resident. Pure drinking water which is a basic necessity for livelihood is a luxury.
As many as 65 families reside in the tribal haadi. Though Gram panchayat had constructed an open well to meet the drinking water demand of the haadi, it is of no use. The villagers hence depend on a small stream that flows adjacent to the village for drinking water. The villagers say “bore well could solve their problem. However, the forest department will not allow the drilling machine inside the forest.” About 50 children from the colony were affected with viral fever few days ago. The PHC doctor had submitted a report on malnutrition among children to the authorities concerned.
Though Forest Rights Act was passed for the integrated development of forest dwellers, it has not come to the use of these 65 families, said Budakattu Krishikara Sangha member Naga. The title deeds have been distributed to 42 persons in Diddalli.
Though houses have been sanctioned to these tribals, the gram panchayat has not taken measure to construct the houses. Owing to lack of maintenance, the solar lamps have become defunct.