Tribal student's appeal to Erode Collector paves way for new road
A Class XII tribal student's plea to re-lay the damaged road to her remote habitation inside the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR) has finally borne fruit, as the Erode district administration has commenced work on a 4-km stretch at a total cost of ₹3.88 crore.
The hamlets of Bejalatti, Ittarai, and Thadasalatti — part of Thalamalai Panchayat in the Thalavadi Panchayat Union — are nestled within the forest area under the Thalamalai Forest Range of the Sathyamangalam Division. While Bejalatti lies along the Dhimbam–Thalamalai forest road, Ittarai and Thadasalatti are situated 4 km farther.
The existing tar road, constructed three decades ago by the Forest Department, has severely deteriorated due to incessant rains. Eroded surfaces, exposed gravel, and loose stones have made the stretch hazardous, especially during the monsoon. The demand for road restoration has been long-standing, with residents repeatedly urging the authorities to take up the work.
The issue gained momentum following an interaction on August 21, 2024, when Archana, a student from Ittarai, raised the issue during District Collector Raja Gopal Sunkara's visit under the 'Ungalai Thedi Ungal Ooril' outreach programme at the Government Girls Model Higher Secondary School in Sathyamangalam.
Highlighting the plight of over 60 families across the three tribal settlements, Archana urged the Collector to prioritise the re-laying of the road. Acting on her appeal, the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) prepared a detailed proposal under the Chief Minister's Rural Road Development Scheme, which was subsequently approved.
The foundation stone for the road was laid on June 5, in the presence of Archana, who is now pursuing a nursing course.
Speaking at the event, she said, 'Travel for education and medical needs has always been a struggle. I brought this to the attention of the Collector, and I'm grateful that the work has begun.' She added that the project will significantly improve access to essential services for the local population.
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