CHAMARAJANAGAR: School students from Pacchedoddi village, located on the outskirts of Male Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary in Chamarajanagar district, are facing immense difficulties in traveling to school. The village has no proper bus connectivity, forcing over 30 students to walk 7 km to and from school every day, through a forest area where wild animals like elephants, tigers, and leopards are commonly spotted.
The students walk 7 km from Pacchedoddi to Ajjipur, and the same distance back home, braving the threat of attacks by wild animal. There have had instances where they have encountered wild elephants, and it’s a daily struggle to get to school. The road condition is poor, making it difficult for them to travel. The students are exhausted from walking long distances every day, which is affecting their studies.
The students have also appealed to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, requesting him to provide bus service and construct a proper road to their village. They have written a letter to the Chief Minister, highlighting their plight and requesting his intervention. The students are worried about their safety, and it’s a big challenge for them to go to school and come back home every day. “Is it possible to study when we’re so tired from walking?” they questioned.
The villagers, including women, are also forced to walk long distances to access basic facilities. In the past, the forest department had provided a jeep service, which was used by the students and villagers. However, the service is no longer available.
The villagers have appealed to the district administration, Forest department, and the government to address their concerns and provide a safe and convenient mode of transportation for the students and residents of Pacchedoddi and surrounding villages. The villagers hope that the government will take note of their difficulties and provide a solution to their problems.
