Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Beltangady (SHS)
Beltangady, Jun 6: An agonizingly long wait of tribals dwelling in the deep woods of Banjarumale came to an end on Thursday June 5, when deputy commissioner A B Ibrahim became the only DC in 32 years to visit the hamlet.
It was 32 years ago that a DC 'Katte' was built in the village for holding official meetings, but the structure was never inaugurated as no deputy commissioner ever set foot here for three decades, until now.
The residents of Banjarumale have so far been deprived of government facilities due to geographical factors and and poor condition of the roads that connect the place.
Earlier the CEO of zilla panchayat Tulsi Muddaneni had visited the place and facilitated the establishment of Anganvadi and tailoring training center at Banjarumale.
Back in 1983, the then DC S K Das had promised to visit the place and attempted to do so too, however, the unpassable road and rise in water levels forced him to abort the visit mid-way. The tribals of the place believing that he would visit them had built DC Katte (platform) which never got inaugurated. However, A B Ibrahim made their dream of seeing a DC take charge of the seat come true.
Banjarumale comes under Beltangady taluk. As many as 43 Malekudiya residents live in the deep forest located between Ujire and Chikamagalur. This remote place was obliterated as every government failed to provide basic facilities. The only way to reach the village is through the Charmady Ghat. A diversion on the 9th curve in Charmady road and a 9 km journey through the dense forest takes one to the village.
The deputy commissioner during his visit patiently listened to the woes of the villagers and ordered the officials concerned to take speedy action on the demands put forth by the locals. Many facilities such as provision of food at the Anganavadi, monthly visit of mobile hospital, ration facilities and many more were granted on the spot.
He also assured that the concreting of the road (500 mt) would be finished prior to his year's Independence Day on August 15. A fund of Rs 20 lac has been released for the same, he said. He also advised the villagers to take technical help from Mescom for the repair of mini-hydel project (10 KW) set up in 2002. The villagers were a bit disappointed when they learnt that there are legal hurdles to set up a school in the vicinity.
The DC also inaugurated the DC Katte and convened a meeting at the place. However, due to overcast weather conditions, the meeting was shifted to the Anganavadi. The DC was accompanied by officials of many departments and superintendent of police Dr Sharanappa. Tight security was in place during the visit as it is a Naxal prone area. The DC was welcomed by the elated villagers with a bouquet.
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