Anakapalle Tribal Villages Still Cut Off Due to Lack of Accessible Roads

Visakhapatnam: Though the state government has sanctioned a total of Rs 9.6 crore for road construction in eight remote Kondu tribal villages across the Anakapalle district, promising better connectivity and infrastructure. However, the execution of these projects has faltered, leading to tragedy and unrest amon the tribal communities.

In Jajula Bandha village, the lack of accessible roads turned fatal to a resident, Pangi Subbarao, who succumbed to illness because no medical transport could reach the village. Roadwork had stalled halfway, rendering large stretches impassable for local ambulances. This situation is creating a growing sense of abandonment among villagers in neighboring areas.

Of the Rs 9.6 crore allocated, Rs 2.6 crore were earmarked for a black top (BT) road connecting Y.B. Patnam and Peddagaruvu via Losingi in Rolugunta mandal. An additional Rs 4.6 crore was designated for a road from Arla to Pitriki Gadda, passing through Jajula Bandham in Koyyuru mandal, under the Employment Guarantee Scheme. A further 2.5 crore was approved for the development of a gravel road from M.K. Patnam Panchayat Centre to Koruprolu village, also under the same scheme.

By March, contractors had completed earthwork and laid granular sub-base (GSB) along key segments. But, progress came to an abrupt halt when government payments stalled. Contractors, facing unreimbursed expenses of Rs 2,82,530, withdrew their machinery and workforce. Heavy monsoon rains have since washed away much of the existing work, turning roads into muddy trails and isolating hilltop villages once again.

Villagers are now forced to rely on ‘doli’ (stretcher) journeys to transport the ill, elderly and pregnant women, highligting the life-or-death importance of this infrastructure.

Amid rising discontent, tribal leaders and activists, including CPM district executive member K. Govinda Rao, KVPS district secretary E. Chiranjeevi, and PVTG Sangam division president Gamemili Vasu, have issued an ultimatum: If the contractors' bills are not cleared by July 10, they will lead a “doli yatra” protest to the district collector’s office.

GFX:

Execution Failure

Lack of medical transport causes loss lives in Kondu tribal villages.

Large stretches have turned impassable for ambulances.

Villagers forced to rely on ‘dolis’ to transport the ill and elderly

Roadwork had stalled halfway as government payments stalled.

Rains have since washed away much of the existing work.

Financial unreimbursed expenses totaling Rs 2,82,530.