After years of isolation, a significant initiative has finally begun to construct a motorable road leading to Koodallarkudy, a remote tribal settlement nestled within Edamalakkaudy, Kerala’s pioneering tribal panchayat. This crucial development was solidified in a recent meeting in Munnar, which saw the participation of key officials including Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) Mission Director Ranjith D., Assistant Commissioner Arun Menon, and representatives from the Forest department.
During the meeting, a decision was reached to build a new road connecting Koodallarkudy to Anakkulam in Mankulam. Chinnayyan K., the MGNREGS coordinator for Edamalakkudy panchayat, explained that while residents had previously submitted an application for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Forest department, it contained some errors. They have now been asked to re-submit a detailed application complete with a route map and GPS readings. Once the revised application is approved and the NOC is granted, the road construction, funded under the MGNREGS, will commence without delay.
Tragedy Sparks Urgent Action
The urgency for this motorable road became tragically clear following the death of a five-year-old boy in Koodallarkudy. Young Karthik, suffering from a high fever, had to be carried through dense forest paths on a stretcher by his family in a desperate attempt to reach the Mankulam hospital. Despite their arduous journey, his life could not be saved. The profound hardship continued after his passing, with his body having to be transported back to the settlement in a coffin on August 22. Just days later, Karthik’s grandmother, Rajakanni (60), also fell severely ill with a high fever and endured a similar ordeal, being carried on a makeshift stretcher to Mankulam. These heart-wrenching incidents galvanized the tribesmen to intensify their calls for a proper, motorized road to their settlement.
Munnar Range Officer S. Biju confirmed the Forest department’s commitment, stating, "We have instructed them to submit a detailed application for the NOC. Upon verification, the Forest department will issue the necessary NOC for the road construction." Officials further noted that the Forest department is permitted to allocate one hectare of land for developmental activities for each tribal hamlet. The initial phase of this vital road project will be integrated into the MGNREGS.
Connecting 22 Settlements
Recently, members of the Adivasi Muthuvan Samudaya Sangam, an organization advocating for the Muthuvan tribal community, undertook a symbolic ‘walk’ from Anakkulam to the Koodallarkudy settlement. This demonstration aimed to highlight the critical need for a proper road connection to authorities.
M. Palraj, president of the Sangam and leader of the walk, emphasized that a motorable road linking Anakkulam to Koodallarkudy is essential. Such a road would open up access to the outside world for residents across nearly 22 tribal settlements within the Edamalakkudy panchayat, promising improved lives and connectivity for many.