Irulas have grinders and TVs, but no electricity

Chennai: Even as the Tamil Nadu Government boasts of being  a ‘power-surplus’ State, a small hamlet near Chengalpet is without power for the past more than a decade now.

The residents are beneficiaries of freebies like television and grinder sets, but except for piling things on top of these appliances, the Irula residents of Chinna Edayathur have no scope to use them. Reason, there is no electricity connection for the houses in the village.

Though not completely elated, residents now heave a sigh of relief as they have got streetlights and a water tap, thanks to the efforts of social work students of Madras Christian College.

Located nearly 50 km from Tambaram, Chinna Edayathur is confined to Irula community near Thirukazhukundram.  Deprived of basic amenities like electricity and proper water supply, the 13 Irula families, who have settled in the area for over ten years endure the dark side of their lives every evening. “We had to end our day as early as seven fearing threat from snakes from the wild bushes here,” said Gracy, a resident.

The village, which is surrounded by Palar river, depends on the petty shops (a kilometre away) to charge their mobile phones. Social work students- Arpit Haldar and John Samuel prompted the local bodies and helped in setting up streetlights and a water tap. “We were shocked to know that the officials did not even know the route to the community. The village got its first street light only ten days ago,” said Arpit.

Investigation by DC revealed that although both Chinna Edayathur and Periya Edayathur come under the same panchayat, residents of Periya Edayathur (for upper caste families), who stay barely a km away, from the locality are the only beneficiaries of proper drinking water and electricity. “Basic knowledge like applying for a connection is not known to the residents. They had completely relied on the panchayat president who made no progress here,” said an official source.

Though there is a water tank in the vicinity, absence of a water tap made residents to rely on Palar water. “While some boil the water, most drink the water without doing so and tend to develop infections often,” said K. Suresh, another resident.

After the streetlights were put up, the routine of the residents has changed drastically. The residents now spend time socialising with neighbours. “Children can study under the lights now,” an elated Suresh told Deccan Chronicle.

Electricity board officials at Thirukazhukundram said they had not received any application. “We will provide connection if they approach us with the necessary documents,” said an EB official.  There was no response from the panchayat president, despite efforts.

Achieving success in their first step, the students are now working to get community certificate for the Irula residents.