Finally, they step into outside world

Gundala (Asifabad): Until recently, the Adivasis living in Gundala, nestled in the dense forest, 140 km east of Adilabad, never dreamt that one day they have road connectivity to outside world. In the absence of not even a kutcha road, life this far is a risky proposition for these Adivasis who dwell along Gundala stretch under Tiryani mandal (now in Asifabad district) that has produced quite a few top Maoists as they have to venture out the thickets.

Thanks to Ramagundam Commissioner of Police Vikram Jeet Duggal, who extensively travelled around forest fringe areas as part of ‘Jana Mytri’ a mass contact programme to help the Tribal communities in addressing their grievances, during his stint as the Adilabad (undivided) district Superintendent of Police last year.

Duggal, who personally witnessed the hardships of the Tribals in Gundala and other hamlets from close quarters, had assured the villagers of providing road connectivity to their village. Later, Duggal also hosted a lunch for the Tribals, danced and chorused to the tunes of Adivasi numbers at his residence.

He took them to the then Collector M Jaganmohan and apprised him of the issues faced by the tribals. With the persuasion of Duggal, the government sanctioned Rs 25 lakh to lay a 6-kilometer gravel road between Gundala and Utla villages. Speaking to The Hans India, Kova Devender of Gundala said: “Thanks to Duggal sir who was instrumental in laying a 6-kilometer road to Utla.

Now, we can have access to auto-rickshaws and jeeps to reach Utla from where we can catch a bus to Dandepally mandal headquarters.” Indeed it was a treacherous journey, he said, recalling their problems especially of the pregnant women. It may be noted here that villagers used to ferry pregnant women on a cots to reach the hospital for deliveries.”

With their road dream finally coming to a reality, the villagers of Gundala on Wednesday felicitated Duggal and Asifabad Superintendent of Police Sunpreet Singh after a traditional welcome carrying them on a bullock cart. Assuring the villagers of any assistance in the future, Duggal said: “I feel right at home in Gundala. It’s like visiting my native village.” Sunpreet Singh assured the villagers of getting a road between Rompelly and Gundala. District police, on the occasion, distributed clothes to the villagers.

By Adepu Mahender