Nine tribal families live without basic amenities in Thalavadi Hills

A team from Arulagam, a non-profit organisation working towards the conservation of flora and fauna and tribal empowerment, recently visited Pothai hamlet in Gettavadi village under Bynapuram Panchayat in Thalavadi taluk to assess the living conditions of nine tribal families residing there.

The hamlet, situated near Kongahalli Colony along the Tamil Nadu–Karnataka border, is inhabited by members of the Jenu Kuruba community, a forest-dwelling indigenous group classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG). The families, originally from Gundalpet in Karnataka, have reportedly been living in the area for nearly 30 years.

According to the organisation, the nine families, comprising 13 children all below the age of 10, are living in huts erected on poramboke land without basic amenities. None of the children are attending school, and the families depend mainly on daily wage labour in agricultural fields for their livelihood.

The residents do not possess essential government documents in Tamil Nadu, limiting their access to welfare schemes and public services. The temporary huts they occupy are said to be in barely liveable condition. The hamlet lacks toilets, mobile connectivity, and other fundamental facilities. Located close to forest areas, the families also face frequent threats from elephants and other wild animals. Community members, who speak only Kannada, expressed concern over their safety and uncertain future.

The visiting team comprised R. Meena, convenor of the Thalavady Indigenous Women’s Association; M. Soniya, community mobiliser; R. Nilitha, staff member of Arulagam; and E. John, Programme Manager. As part of immediate relief measures, bedsheets and sleeping mats were distributed to the families. The team also conducted a detailed assessment of their needs.

Representatives of Arulagam stated that the issues raised by the residents have been documented and that efforts would be made to address them through future initiatives aimed at improving housing, access to basic services, and overall well-being.