Tribals in Adilabad still cut off due to lack of bridges

Tribal villagers in Adilabad continue to suffer isolation due to the absence of bridges across streams, often risking lives during medical emergencies and monsoons. Officials said proposals have been sent to construct 20 high-level bridges across the district

Adilabad: Aboriginal tribes in remote parts of Adilabad district continue to face severe difficulties in connecting with the outside world due to the absence of bridges across streams.

Residents of Narsapur (J), Gangapur, Ramjiguda, Rajulamadugu, Erragutta, Umapathikunta, Bheemguda, Kannapur and surrounding villages remain cut off because of the lack of a bridge across Vankatumma vagu between Narsapur (J) and Gangapur in Utnoor mandal. They have been demanding the facility for a long time.

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Similarly, people of Barikraoguda, Dannuguda, Umri and nearby villages in Narnoor mandal struggle to reach Utnoor and Asifabad towns as they do not have a bridge across the stream between Umri and Barikguda villages. They said they are often stranded during the monsoon when the stream swells, leaving them disconnected from the mainstream.

Residents of Kannapur in Sirikonda mandal, Arjuni, Mamidiguda and Kunisa in Gadiguda mandal, Mamadiguda, Jendaguda, Chittabatta, Gopalpur in Indervelly mandal and several interior habitations in Bazarhathnoor, Echoda, Boath, Bela and Tamsi mandals undergo nightmarish experiences while crossing streams in spate due to heavy upstream rains.

With no alternatives, tribals are forced to wade through gushing waters to buy essential commodities from mandal headquarters or to shift patients during medical emergencies. In many cases, they carry patients and pregnant women on cots across flooding streams, risking lives. Children face the brunt in reaching schools.

Health department staff are also facing hardships due to poor connectivity. They cross streams carrying medical supplies to reach remote villages on hillocks and forested areas, often under hazardous conditions. Medical camps and seasonal disease screenings are being conducted despite these challenges.

Officials said proposals have been sent to the government for constructing 20 high-level bridges across streams in different parts of the district. A bridge at Umri village was proposed at an estimated cost of Rs 3.5 crore, while another was sought across Vankatumma vagu in Utnoor mandal with the same outlay. Similar facilities were identified in Indervelly, Sirikonda and other areas.