They enter forests in search of roots, tubers as food grains from Government is hard to come by

H.D. Kote: At a time people from villages who had migrated to cities for earning a livelihood are now returning to their native villages due to the deadly COVID pandemic, the story of tribals in H.D. Kote taluk is a different one, with tribals turning to Forests for finding their food. 

People living in tribal hamlets, especially those along the Forest borders, are venturing into the forests in search of roots and tubers, as they are short of ration that is provided by the Government. 

Somesh, a tribal youth of Maalada Haadi in the taluk, told Star of Mysore that their livelihood has lied in shatters after the outbreak of the deadly pandemic last year. Arguing that the life of tribals had become a hell for want of work and income, he said that the pandemic has returned to haunt them this year too as it did last year. 

Noting that the COVID-induced lockdown has resulted in the stoppage of all activities and developmental and infrastructure works, he said that they are now left jobless and no other place to go. “Life has become a hell in the absence of livelihood and income,” he added. Continuing, he said that the story of others in his hamlet is no different. 

Pointing out that those who had migrated to cities and towns in search of work are now returning back to the hamlet due to COVID scare, Somesh said that each tribal family has 5 to 10 members and the ration provided by the Government is just not enough to overcome hunger.

Observing that adults can somehow earn their food through other means, he expressed concerns about the fate of children and the aged who cannot work. Asserting that many  tribals are suffering from malnutrition, he wondered what will be the fate of children and immobile habitants of hamlets in the absence of food and other essentials.

Contending that it was inevitable for most of the tribals to venture into the forests for gathering starchy roots, stems and tubers which are staple food for them, he said that despite finding them, it has become a challenge to feed children and the elderly in hamlets.

Accusing the Government, people representatives and officials of completely ignoring tribals in this critical times, he urged the Government to at least respond to tribal issues now.

Stating that following the Corona outbreak last year, some philanthropists and donors had come forward for distribution of  ration, food packets and medical kits, he said that unfortunately, this year, no such thing is happening and no one is coming forward to help them in this hour of crisis. 

Meanwhile, Forest Origin Tribals Federation Secretary Shailendra, speaking to Star of Mysore said that many Adivasi families are yet to get ration cards and as such these families are not getting sufficient quantities of ration at this critical juncture when the COVID pandemic is causing havoc across the globe.

Pointing out that those in urban areas are getting ration without much problems, he said that the situation in hamlets is very disappointing with tribals left to fend for themselves.

Arguing that the Government should home-deliver ration to Adivasi children studying in Ashram schools just like delivery of ration to school children who are deprived of Mid-Day Meals on account of closure of schools, he wanted the Government to come to the rescue of tribals at this intriguing times. 

On vaccine hesitancy among tribal population, Shailendra said that the tribals are reluctant even though the Health Department has conducted several awareness programmes and educated the tribals on the importance of getting vaccinated for their own health and safety. It is up to the Government to further convince the vaccine scary tribals for getting  jabs, he added.