Andhra Pradesh: Despite being a part of an urban area, a tribal hamlet fights for basic infrastructure

Despite being the only tribal hamlet in ward No. 20 of the Narsipatnam municipality in the Anakapalle district, Lingapuram’s people consider basic utilities to be a luxury. There are around 75 families living in this hamlet, which is home to the Konda Dora tribe, which makes up about 500 people.

In contrast to several of its contemporaries dispersed around the district on varied terrains on the hillsides, Lingapuram is located within city limits. Even then, people are not allowed to use basic facilities.

One of the main issues is the absence of essential infrastructure. The water supply, transportation connections, and basic utilities like effective drainage are all insufficient.

Even though a bridge built from Balighattam crosses the Varaha River and provides access to Lingapuram, tourists still need to walk a roughly 1.5 km dirt route.

Since the region is classified as a protected forest, the authorities are unable to improve infrastructure, which is a barrier to building a suitable road.

Ward 20 councilor Mulaparthi Rama Raju told TNIE that there is still no resolution to long-standing issues with Lingapuram’s infrastructural problems.

He emphasized how persistent these problems are and bemoaned the village’s isolation in spite of its official status as part of the municipality.

Even though our community is a municipality, we have been battling these issues for many years. We have water shortages and inadequate road connection, much like hillside tribal hamlets,” Raju added.

Raju described the hazards on the gravel route, stating that it may become dangerous for both cars and pedestrians. The trail is unfit for travel due to the uneven and jagged surface, scattered with sharp stones. He said that hardly even ambulances go this far.

Raju emphasized the catastrophic effects of the poor infrastructure by bringing up examples of unfortunate events caused by transit delays. “Unfortunately, delays in getting to medical facilities have resulted in deaths. He disclosed one such instance in which a victim of a snake bite was denied access to medical assistance.

“There are twelve people over ninety who need to be carried, five of whom need our help,” he said. “The other seven can only function with our help.”

Water shortage appears as another key issue for the tribal group, with road access continuing to be the top worry of the people living in Lingapuram. Even with the continuing Jal Jeevan Mission, which aims to provide each family with enough clean drinking water from a tap by 2024, the residents don’t seem to have much hope for its realization.

Experiences of first-time voters

Mounika, a second-year student pursuing a degree, expressed her desire for her town to develop. I can’t wait to use my right to vote for the first time. I’m looking for a leader who can raise the standard of government-run schools and make real progress in our community. In addition, the enduring problems of our village’s lack of access to roads and water need attention,” the speaker said.

Another first-time voter, Ganesh, said, “We have been having issues for a very long time with basic needs.” My friends and I have made the decision to cast ballots in order to overthrow the current administration and install a new one that will really be able to meet our demands via practical measures rather than simply words.

Tribals of Lingapuram must travel 8 kilometers to Krishnapuram in order to exercise their right to vote. The hamlet’s 292 voters request that a polling place be set up in their own village for their convenience by the district administration and the ECI. If the authorities are unable to fulfill their request, they should at least come up with a different plan to assist them in casting their ballots.