Madikeri: The private resort which denied road access to tribal families to their respective hamlets in Yavakapadi village, has finally yielded to protesters’ demands and has promised to construct an alternative road.
The resort management has agreed to construct an alternative road by year end during negotiations with MLA K G Bopaiah and Zilla Panchyat president B A Harish and permit tribal families to use the existing road till the alternative arrangements are made.
It may be recalled, Adiya tribals supported by Cauvery Sene and Satyanaveshane Samiti had launched an indefinite agitation on June 16 in front of Deputy Commissioner’s Office demanding access to their hamlet through road passing through the resort. The protesters dismayed by the district administration’s passiveness continued their protest on June 17, alleging resort management of encroachment.
MLA KG Bopaiah and Zill Panchayat president B A Harish visited the protest venue and held discussions with protesters and demanded the district administration to file criminal complaints against the resort and provide road access to the deprived tribal families.
Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner said that the officials concerned have already been instructed to take action but agitators refuted that claim. Meanwhile, MLA Bopiah asked the DC to depute tahsildar and other officials for a spot inspection.
Accompanied by an official team from the district administration and representatives from the agitating group, MLA Bopiah and ZP president visited the disputed area and held discussions with the resort management.
During negotiations the resort management promised to build alternative road for the affected families by December end and permit them to use the existing road till such that time.
Resort management has also agreed to provide basic infrastructure including electricity to houses in adjoining areas, said Cauvery Sene convenor Ravi Changappa after the meeting.
The affected Adiya tribal families heaved a sigh of relief in the end after their agitation yielded expected results.
