Lack of road access in tribal areas: In a stark reminder of the infrastructure struggles faced by tribal communities, a 29-year-old woman named Korra Devi was carried in a makeshift stretcher, or doli, for 6 kilometers after giving birth at home in Arla village, Rolugunta Mandal, Anakapalli District, Andhra Pradesh. The lack of proper road access prevented her family from taking her to the hospital when she went into labor.Home birth due to lack of accessKorra Devi developed labor pains during the night, but with no road to reach a medical facility, her family was left with no choice but to assist in a home delivery. By dawn, her husband, Korra Ramesh, and other family members carried both the mother and the newborn in a doli for 6 kilometers to a point where they could arrange for a private vehicle to take them to the Butchimpeta Primary Health Center for further care.Road project left incomplete, video surfacesThe absence of road connectivity has long been a concern for the residents of Arla, a remote tribal area. Although funds were allocated under the National Employment Guarantee Scheme in 2022 to construct a road, the project remains unfinished. Recent monsoon rains have further deteriorated the path, making the village even more inaccessible.Tribal Woman Carried in Doli After Home Delivery Due to Lack of Road Access in Anakapalli DistrictIn a clear example of infrastructure challenges faced by remote tribal communities, a 29-year-old woman, Korra Devi, had to be carried along with her newborn in a make-shift… pic.twitter.com/46hvZqR00w— Sudhakar Udumula (@sudhakarudumula) October 17, 2024Lack of infrastructureLocal tribal leaders have been vocal about the need for infrastructure development in the region. Korra Ramesh expressed the frustration of many villagers, saying, We need roads, not promises. This situation must change.
