Residents of Karuvachhal walk through forest for democracy

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: They are wading through the Karavachhal stream, where floods occur, walking to exercise their democratic rights. The residents of Vithura Podiyakala village have to travel 12 km to Teviyarukunn LPS to cast their votes, comprising 176 voters across 70 families. Despite their long-standing request for a polling booth in their village, it remains unfulfilled.

Village head Sreekumar Kani expresses frustration that despite complaints about the lack of good roads and the increasing wild animal population, no action has been taken except for promises of improvement.

The construction of the Peppara Dam, aimed at providing drinking water to urban areas, displaced some residents of surrounding villages, leaving them in dusty conditions. These displaced individuals still struggle to access clean drinking water and basic amenities, despite their sacrifices for urban development. Recently, two villagers were severely injured in separate incidents involving a bear and a buffalo attack. The lack of a good road network and phone coverage exacerbates the challenge of accessing timely medical assistance.

Conditions are even worse for those living beyond the Karavachal hill. Heavy rainfall at the mountain's summit leads to dangerous flooding in the valley below. Just days ago, a wooden bridge was swept away by a mountain flood, leaving 20 families stranded in the event of a similar occurrence.