Kumaraswamy to stay overnight in a tribal settlement

M M Hills (Karnataka), June 4: Kumbudikki village, in the Tribal Settlement area, 10 km from here, has been completely spruced up for Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy's overnight stay. The villagers, especially tribals, most of whom make their living by collecting fire wood from the forest, expect the Chief Minister would take steps to lift the ban on collection of minor forest produce.

Of the 148 families living in the village, 117 belong to the Beda Kampana Tribe. But they have not been categorised as scheduled tribes. More then 10,000 tribals living in this region.

The villagers do not have basic amenities such as sanitation, drinking water and power. They are make their living by weaving bamboo baskets, tatte chandrike (used for cocoon rearing) and other bamboo based articles. There are 50 children studying in the primary school.

The village now undergone a sea change with all thatched huts had been removed and construction of concrete houses completed. Provided with lights, roads and other facilities including bus services to the village from M M Hills.

Mr Kumaraswamy would hold discussion with the tribal community during his stay. He will stay at the house of Chinnapi.

This visit to the Chamarajanagara district was second one after Mr Kumaraswamy breaking the jinx by visiting Chamarajanagara town on May 27, after a gap of 17 years.

UNI