The re-laying of Single Layer Water Bound Macadam (WBM) roads in four tribal settlements in Talavadi Hills is expected to start soon, at a total cost of ₹72.62 lakh.
The villages of Mavnatham (90 families), Kalithimbam (75 families) and Ramaranai (37 families) are located inside the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR) on the Dhimbam-Talavadi road in Talmalai Panchayat. Similarly, Gethesal (114 families) is located on Kollegal-Hasnoor road in Hasnoor Panchayat. Since all the settlements are located inside forest areas, black topping roads are not allowed and hence WBM roads were constructed in 2011-12.
These roads have suffered extensive damage due to rains in the last 10 years and were not re-laid or restored by the user agency, which is the Block Development Office, Talwadi. Villagers, including students, found it difficult to walk on the road, which had gravel and other rock fragments protruding from the surface.
During Collector H. Krishnanunni’s visit to these settlements in 2021, villagers pointed out the pathetic condition of the road and wanted them to be rebuilt at the earliest. He directed the user agency to submit a proposal and subsequently obtain approval from the forest department for re-laying the roads. The funds were sanctioned by the district administration and the work was planned under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) 2021-2022.
The works include Gethesal (1.26 km) road for ₹19.16 lakh, Mavnatham (0.45 km) road for ₹6.58 lakh, Kalithimbam (1.80 km) road for ₹33.84 lakh and Ramaranai (1.03 km) for ₹13.04 lakh is included.
Shri Krishnanunni said Hindu That work will start soon. “Once the work is completed, it will be easier for the people to commute,” he said.
The engineers said that after the granular sub-base work, a single layer metal would be laid over it within three months.