In Kerala, an injured tribal woman had to be carried 6 KM on a bamboo stretcher, Human Rights Commission sought an answer from the government
Injured woman carried on bamboo stretcher for 6 KM by 50 men in Munnar’s Valsapettikudi hamlet without road; Human Rights Commission seeks report in four weeks
Published on: 31 Jul 2025, 12:22 pm
Idukki, Kerala: The Kerala State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of news reports published in the media regarding acute lack of roads in five tribal hamlets in Munnar.
It was reported that about 50 villagers had to cover a 6 km long dangerous route on a bamboo stretcher to take an injured tribal woman to the hospital as there was no proper road facility in the area. The incident took place in the Valsapettikudi tribal hamlet of Anamudi Shola National Park under Munnar Wildlife Division.
SHRC intervenes, Collector called for emergency meeting
SHRC chairman Justice Alexander Thomas has ordered the Idukki collector to immediately call an emergency meeting of officials of the revenue, public works and tribal welfare departments as well as block and village panchayats, Munnar wildlife warden, divisional forest officer and district medical officer.
The Commission has ordered that basic facilities like roads, health and education should be ensured immediately, so that such incidents do not happen again in future.
Detailed report sought in four weeks
The commission has asked all the concerned departments to submit a detailed report within four weeks. Along with this, the secretaries of Idukki Block Panchayat, District Panchayat and Vattavada Panchayat have also been directed to submit separate reports.
Forest department accused of obstructing road construction
The SHRC has also asked the Munnar wildlife warden whether the Forest Department has created hurdles in road projects sanctioned by the government, particularly the one connecting Valsappettikudi tribal hamlet to Chilanthiyar-Ollavayal.
The officers will appear before the commission in person on September 2
The Commission has ordered that a senior official of the Collector’s office, representatives of the District Panchayat, Block Panchayat, Vattavada Gram Panchayat and Munnar Wildlife Warden should personally attend the Commission meeting to be held on September 2 at Thodupuzha PWD Rest House and submit the details.
This suo motu action highlights the severe lack of basic amenities for the tribal communities living in the remote forest areas of Kerala, which have been neglected for a long time.
