Tribal villagers suffer without approach road in Gudalur

The villagers said they are compelled to a long trek every day to reach the nearest town, Vadavayal, which falls in Sri Madurai panchayat. This turns out to be a more harrowing experience, if someone from the village needs emergency treatment. As ambulances or other vehicles are unable to reach their hamlet, villagers must carry them to the nearest hospital.

In a recent example, an elderly woman, who fell ill, was carried by others for two km to take a vehicle to reach the Gudalur GH on Monday.

The villagers claimed that owners of a private tea estate located on the way have agreed to part with their land, if the district administration came forward to lay a road. Hence, efforts should be taken to lay a new road, said the villagers.

They fear that the situation may turn worse once rains come with the monsoon season setting in. The villagers claimed that they have been missing out on several development works due to lack of approach road to their neighbourhood.

The villagers also lamented that though funds have been allotted funds to build new houses under tribal welfare fund, there has been a delay in starting works as construction materials could not be brought due to lack of a road. They are now staying in line houses, which have now weakened and remain in a dilapidated condition.