Villagers Celebrate as Ration Reaches Hilltop Hamlet
The protest, which received media attention, prompted district officials to intervene
VISAKHAPATNAM: Years of hardship came to an end for the residents of Madrebu in Alluri Sitarama Raju district on Friday as ration supplies reached their remote hilltop village for the first time, prompting jubilant celebrations with the traditional Dhimsa dance.
The 30 tribal families of Madrebu, located in the hilltop region of Peddakota panchayat in Ananthagiri mandal, had been travelling nearly 15 km to Velamamidi village—often on horseback—to collect their monthly ration, as there was no fair price shop or distribution point in their village.
On July 9, the villagers staged a three-kilometre horseback rally demanding a local ration distribution centre. The protest, which received media attention, prompted district officials to intervene.
Acting on the demand, the collector and joint collector arranged ration distribution in Madrebu on Friday through the Velamamidi Self-Help Group under the auspices of the Emmanuel Group.
The arrival of ration supplies was greeted with celebrations as villagers performed the traditional Dhima dance around the rice bags in a display of joy and gratitude.
The villagers also thanked district officials and community leaders, including Kondathampalli Narsingarao, the women of Sideri Muggu, Kondathamali Limbo and Kondathambali Jagannadham, for supporting their demand.
