Alluri Sitarama Raju district: Lack of basic road connectivity continues to create serious problems for tribal communities in Andhra Pradesh. In the latest incident, a pregnant tribal woman from Gudem Kothaveedhi mandal had to be carried nearly 8 kilometres in a doli through hills, rocky paths and streams to reach an ambulance.
Korra Damini, a resident of Tadakapalli village under Ammavari Dharakonda panchayat, went into labour on Thursday night. However, the poor road conditions meant that even a bike could not reach her village. With no immediate transport available, she had to remain in the village overnight.
On Friday morning, Damini’s family members and villagers placed her in a doli and carried her for nearly 8 kilometres to Shyamagadda. From there, she was shifted to an ambulance and taken to the Chintapalli Community Hospital.
Damini later delivered a baby girl at the hospital. Both the mother and the newborn are reported to be safe.
Tribal Villages Still Struggling Without Proper Roads
The incident highlights the continuing difficulties faced by tribal communities in the Agency areas of Andhra Pradesh. Despite repeated claims about infrastructure development, several remote villages still lack proper roads and reliable emergency transport.
The situation becomes even more dangerous during the monsoon, when streams overflow and hill roads become difficult to cross. In such circumstances, pregnant women, elderly people and seriously ill patients often depend on villagers to carry them to locations where ambulances can reach.
The latest incident has once again raised questions about road connectivity and emergency healthcare facilities in tribal areas of Alluri Sitarama Raju district.
Recent Death Raises Healthcare Concerns
Concern over the lack of connectivity has also grown following another recent incident in the same region.
A 28-year-old tribal woman, Pangi Lavanya, from Chinna Gangavaram village under Dharakonda panchayat reportedly died after falling seriously ill following childbirth. Locals said she could not receive timely medical treatment due to severe transport difficulties.
According to local residents, heavy rains and floods had washed away the temporary bridge at Gangavaram, disrupting transportation. More than 15 tribal villages are reportedly facing connectivity problems because a permanent solution has not yet been provided.
Questions Over Tribal Road Development
The latest incident has triggered criticism over the gap between government claims of development and the situation on the ground.
While authorities frequently highlight technological progress and infrastructure development in Andhra Pradesh, the fact that a pregnant woman had to be carried 8 km in a doli to reach an ambulance has raised serious questions about basic infrastructure in remote tribal areas.
Critics have particularly questioned the government’s claims regarding road development in tribal regions. Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has spoken about improving road connectivity in tribal areas, but local residents say several villages still remain inaccessible to even basic vehicles.
The incidents have renewed demands for all-weather roads, permanent bridges and reliable ambulance connectivity in remote tribal villages. Residents argue that ensuring access to emergency healthcare should be a priority, particularly for pregnant women and other vulnerable sections of the tribal population.
