In a distressing incident in Kalasa taluk, Chikkamagaluru district, tribals had to transport the body of 19-year-old Avinash using a makeshift cloth stretcher due to the lack of motorable roads and essential facilities. The video of this somber journey has gone viral on social media, highlighting the severe infrastructure deficiencies faced by the community.
Avinash, a member of the Scheduled Caste community, fell gravely ill, prompting his relatives from the remote Konegodu village, which houses eight tribal families, to carry him in the cloth stretcher. They initially transported him over narrow footbridges and rugged paths to reach the nearest motorable road. From there, they proceeded to Kalasa town for medical treatment. Despite their efforts, Avinash did not survive, and the treatment was unsuccessful.
The return journey was equally challenging. An ambulance was able to transport Avinash’s body only partway, requiring his relatives to trek the remaining distance back to their village. They carried the body for approximately 2 kilometers through a narrow path to their hamlet, where the final rites were performed.
For the residents of Konegodu, the nearest motorable road is the Samse-SK Megal road, situated 2 kilometers from their village. During the rainy season, small streams become full and require crossing via precarious footbridges, as solid bridges are nonexistent. The lack of proper infrastructure continues to severely impact their daily lives and emergency responses.
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