As temperatures soar, water woes for tribals rise
Anakapalli: Astemperatures soar, tribals of a few villages near Devatamma area and neighbouring hamlets at Ravikamatham mandal have to think twice before using water for their daily needs as taps installed four years back turned into mere showpieces. For the tribals residing at Ravikamatham mandal of Anakapalli district, in Kothakota panchayat centre water woes continue to trouble them.
Over 200 Dalit families living across Devata Amma area and neighbouring tribal villages are facing severe hardship due to inaccessibility to safe drinking water. What makes the situation more alarming is that the issue is not new but reflects years of neglect, broken promises and apathy of the officials concerned.
Even as public water taps were installed in the area four years ago, followed by household pipeline connections three years ago, respite to residents did not last for long. Under the ambitious Jal Jeevan Mission, the Central government sanctioned funds amounting to Rs 6 crore to ensure a reliable water supply system for every household. Initially, water was supplied for 15 days on a trial basis, raising hopes among residents but the supply abruptly stopped, leaving families disappointed. Today, tribals in the area are forced to ration water to an extent that bathing is possible only once every two days. Many are compelled to travel to distant areas in search of water, carrying it back home in containers and pots, an exhausting routine that has become their daily norm now.
Pointing out that despite multiple protests and appeals over the years, tribals express anguish that no permanent solution has been provided to fix their water woes. The infrastructure now stands as a stark reminder of administrative failure, with water pipelines lying unused. Officials had recently performed a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a new water tank, assuring residents that water supply would resume soon. However, those promises remain unmet.
Unable to bear the apathy, Dalit women took to streets carrying empty pots in a display protest, symbolising both their daily struggle and demand for immediate action. Demanding justice and immediate intervention, the protest saw participation from local Dalits, including CPM district executive member K Govinda Rao, along with Dalit women leaders Eshwaramma, K Lavatalli, G Kalyani and Peddamma. The unfolding crisis in Kothakota indicates how access to safe drinking water for the villagers remains elusive.
By Vasu Potnuru
Courtesy : THI
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