In a stark reminder of the challenges at the intersection of development and conservation, approximately 120 families residing within the ecologically sensitive Kudremukh National Park area in Karnataka's Belthangady taluk continue to live without access to the conventional power grid. A significant number of these households belong to the indigenous Malekudiya tribal community, who have historically inhabited these forested regions of the Western Ghats.
The Core Dilemma: Power Lines or a New Home?
The Karnataka state government has sanctioned a sum of Rs 75 lakh specifically aimed at electrifying the village. However, this initiative has led to a complex proposition for the residents. The district administration, in coordination with the Mangalore Electricity Supply Company (Mescom), has presented the families with two distinct paths forward.
The first option is to proceed with the laying of distribution cables to provide regular electricity connections to their homes within the forest. The second, and more contentious alternative, is for the families to accept a government compensation package and relocate outside the protected forest area altogether. A final decision regarding the specifics of this compensation, including its total amount and the associated benefits, is still pending.
Balancing Act: Welfare vs. Conservation Norms
Mescom chairman Harish Kumar highlighted the delicate nature of the situation. He explained that the effort involves carefully balancing the genuine welfare needs of the tribal population with the stringent norms mandated for forest conservation. In a recent district-level meeting held at the deputy commissioner's office, these two alternatives were discussed in detail.
"Mescom, along with the district administration, has initiated efforts to provide electricity to tribal households and other families in the Western Ghats region," Harish stated. The discussion centered on whether to pursue immediate electrification or to opt for relocation accompanied by a compensation package.
Glimmer of Progress Amidst Uncertainty
Despite the overarching uncertainty, some on-ground work has commenced, offering a ray of hope for a section of the affected population. Work has begun to lay distribution cables intended to supply electricity to 12 families in Sulkeri Mogaru village. This village is home to 27 families, including Malekudiya tribals, all of whom currently live without power, relying largely on solar energy for their basic needs.
This initial step, however, does not resolve the larger question facing the remaining hundred-odd families. Their future hangs in the balance as authorities deliberate on a solution that addresses both human rights and environmental imperatives. The outcome will set a significant precedent for handling similar settlements in ecologically fragile zones across India.
