PALAKKAD: Attappadi is in dire need of transportation facilities. Recently, a pregnant woman tribal woman was carried on a cloth for three kilometres in order to reach the hospital.

Attappadi has more than 34,000 people in 192 hamlets. The six hamlets in Puthoor panchayat inhabited by Kurumbar tribe, that is Murugala, Kinattukkara, Mele Thudukki, Thazhe Thuduki, Galasi and Katukamanna are within the forest. One has travel through forest path and cross the river to reach these hamlets. The journey and life of around 180 families residing here is very challenging.

• The only ink to the outside world for the residents of Kadukumana hamlet is the suspension bridge across Bhavanipuzha. Then they have to travel through the forest for about 3.5 km, to reach Anavayi in order to get a vehicle.
• One has to travel 11 km from Mukali centre, Mannarkad-Annakatti road to reach Murugala and Galasi hamlets. The journey through here is very difficult as well.
• Murugala and Kinnattukaru natives had to cross Cherunalithodu to reach their homes which is 30 m wide.

Many hurdles to get a road

The issues of the forest department are the reason for the lack of roads and electricity in six hamlets, including Murugala. All the hamlets are in protected forest. The permission of the Union Ministry of Forests and Environment is required to construct the road and bridge. Road and other facilities can be implemented only after granting development rights under the Forest Rights Act.