Two tribal women from Kausawadi in Pen taluka tragically lost their lives due to the lack of road access, preventing them from reaching the nearest sub-district hospital in time. The villagers have been facing challenges in transporting patients or pregnant women during emergencies, resorting to carrying them in makeshift cloth cradles over a 4 to 5 km stretch to access the nearest road. Despite a tender worth Rs 7.60 crore being awarded for constructing tar roads in tribal hamlets in Pen, the work is yet to commence, leaving the community vulnerable.
Earlier in April 2023, a Rs 60-lakh work order was issued by the Pen Division Public Works Department for hill cutting and mud road construction to connect Kausawadi. The Zilla Parishad claims the project was completed, but residents and activists refute this, citing no visible progress and questioning the lack of action under the defect liability clause. Activist Santosh Thakur raised concerns about the delays and accountability of the influential contractor responsible for the project.
The recent death of Ambi Raghya Kadu, a 43-year-old resident of Kausawadi, on November 7 highlights the urgent need for road connectivity. Ambi, a daily wage laborer, passed away due to a lack of timely medical care after being carried in a cloth cradle by her son and neighbors to reach the hospital. The delays in accessing medical facilities due to the absence of proper roads have had devastating consequences for the community, with another resident, Bami, having lost her life under similar circumstances in August.
The challenges faced by pregnant women in the village, such as Kalpana Bhaskar Kadu, raise concerns about the safety and well-being of expecting mothers without adequate road access for medical emergencies. The lack of basic facilities, job opportunities, and educational institutions in Kausawadi further compounds the difficulties faced by the tribal community.
Despite government schemes and promises of road construction projects, the tribals continue to struggle with inflated electricity bills, lack of proper infrastructure, and inadequate access to essential services. The response from officials, including the Deputy Engineer of the Public Works Department and the CEO of Zilla Parishad, has been met with skepticism by activists and residents who demand accountability and tangible actions to address the pressing issues.
The situation in Kausawadi underscores the urgent need for immediate intervention to provide road access, healthcare facilities, and essential services to prevent further loss of lives in the tribal hamlets. The community’s plea for basic infrastructure, job opportunities, and educational resources must be addressed promptly to ensure the well-being and safety of all residents. The authorities are urged to prioritize the construction of roads under government schemes and hold contractors accountable for delays and substandard work to prevent future tragedies in the region.
