Karnataka lokayukta gives 15-day deadline to address basic amenities in karwar village

Karwar: Decades after Independence, residents of Guddehalli village in Karwar are still struggling with basic amenities, including proper road connectivity, transport and access to healthcare. Though the village falls under the Karwar municipal limits, residents say they continue to live without infrastructure that is considered essential.

Karnataka Upa Lokayukta Justice K.N. Phaneendra, who recently visited the village and personally inspected the conditions, expressed displeasure over the alleged negligence of officials and directed them to prepare a comprehensive development plan within 15 days.

Around 28 families belonging to the Halakki tribal community live in Guddehalli. While men largely depend on daily-wage labour, women earn their livelihood by selling dry firewood. Residents said they have been demanding a proper road for years but their concerns have not been adequately addressed.

The village currently lacks proper road connectivity. Residents have to use rough and forest paths for transportation. A 1.5-km road project was reportedly sanctioned during the previous BJP government, and gravel was laid on the stretch. However, the work remained incomplete, leaving villagers dependent on difficult pathways.

The lack of road connectivity has also affected emergency medical services. Residents said vehicles cannot reach the village, forcing families to carry sick people using makeshift stretchers, blankets or poles when they require medical attention.

During his visit, Justice Phaneendra interacted with residents and heard their grievances. Following the inspection, he directed officials from the municipal administration, Forest Department and Public Works Department to jointly prepare a detailed proposal for the overall development of the village and submit it to the government within 15 days.

Education is another major challenge for children in the village. Students reportedly have to walk more than eight kilometres every day through difficult forest routes to reach their schools. Taking note of the problem, the Upa Lokayukta directed the municipal authorities to immediately arrange transportation for the children.

He also instructed the Health Department to ensure that medical officials visit the village at least once a month and conduct health check-ups for residents.

The Lokayukta institution has taken up the matter suo motu and is examining the issues faced by the villagers. Officials have been directed to work out measures for providing basic infrastructure and essential services.

The Upa Lokayukta has also indicated that the matter could be discussed with the Chief Minister if necessary to find a permanent solution to the long-standing problems.

Residents hope that the intervention will finally bring road connectivity, transport, healthcare and other basic facilities to Guddehalli and improve living conditions for the Halakki families residing there.

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Coovercolly Indresh

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