Kondu Tribal Women Protest for Clean Water

Visakhapatnam: The Kondu tribal women of Pedagaruvu village staged a protest at Arla panchayat in Rolugunta mandal, Anakapalle district, demanding access to potable water. Carrying water pots on their heads and raising slogans, the women highlighted the plight of 12 families and 70 Kondu tribals in their remote settlement.

In 2018-19, Pedagaruvu villagers demonstrated resilience by digging a well after forfeiting three months of agricultural work. This well became their primary water source and a lifeline for the hilltop village. The Dharmavaram panchayat office later installed a motor and iron pipes to supply water through taps. However, the taps delivered muddy water, causing waterborne diseases among residents.

Despite government claims of significant investments for the particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs) under the Jal Jeevan Mission, the villagers’ reality tells a different story. “We were advised to pump water into a tank and let the sediment settle to get clear water,” said Killo Seetha and Killo Reshma, residents of Pedagaruvu village.

Unsatisfied with the response, the women of Pedagaruvu are now demanding intervention from Anakapalle district collector Vijaya Krishnan. Although they have approached the collector before, their grievances remain unaddressed.