Madikeri: Twenty-five families belonging to the Yerava community at Kuttiparambu in Balugodu lack basic amenities. Their hardships are increasing during the monsoon.The community members live in makeshift huts along the govt paisari land, with poor living conditions. The Yerava community’s settlement at Kuttiparambu in Balugodu consists of 25 huts in poor condition, with damaged roofs, worn-out tarpaulins, muddy floors, and no proper sanitation facilities. The tribes, previously residing in estate line houses, occupied approximately two acres of govt paisari land at Kuttiparambu seven years ago as a form of protest. Despite initial resistance from authorities, they received assurances of housing and land rights, so they established temporary huts, while awaiting official documentation.“It is over two years since we were assured of houses and land under the govt scheme. After the severe protests led by us, the administration promised to hand over the land rights to the paisari land, and even layouts were marked to carry out the project. But this was all done to silence our protests,” said Shobha, tribal leader of the settlement. She noted their situation has deteriorated since leaving the line houses. “For two years, we have been living like animals during the rainy season. Our huts have worn out, and we cannot afford to buy even tarpaulins. None of the authorities have visited our site, and we have not received any support. The authorities have failed to even distribute tarpaulins to us,” she lamented.The tribal families, including children, face severe challenges during heavy rain. They have constructed a tent with a roof where they gather at night to stay dry. “Without electricity, toilet facilities, and proper shelter, we live amidst the fear of wildlife. We have lost hope in all political parties, we matter only during election time,” said the tribes, urging immediate govt intervention to provide them basic amenities.
