Diddalli, a hamlet under Channayanakote grama panchayat, lacks even basic infrastructure facilities.
The labourers who planted teakwood trees under Neduthopu yojane of the forest department at Devamacchi forest in 1972 were shifted to Nagapura and Channayanakote in 1982.
The forest department had alloted two acres of land for the labourers who settle down in the new place.
However, Diddalli does not boast of anything that a civilised society can be proud of. The tribals still reside in deplorable condition.
The houses in which they reside are on the verge of collapse. Wild elephants always haunt them. Electricity connection is distant dream. Clean drinking water, a basic necessity, is a luxury.
Water problem
As many as 65 families reside in the haadi. Though the GP has constructed an open well to meet the drinking water needs of the haadi, it is not serving the purpose.
The villagers hence depend on a small stream that flows adjacent to the village for drinking water. The villagers say “a borewell could solve our problem. However, the forest department will not allow the drilling machine inside the forest.”
About 50 children in the colony were affected with viral fever a few days ago. The PHC doctor had submitted a report about malnutrition among the children to the authorities concerned.
Although the Forest Rights Act was passed for the integrated development of forest dwellers, it has not helped 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 for these tribals, the gram panchayat has not taken any measure to construct them. Due to poor maintenance, solar lamps have become defunct.