KOLLAM: The KSEBL has been racing against time to electrify two villages in eastern Kollam-- Rosemala and Rajakkooppu near Aryankavu-- as part of the total electrification programme of the state government. But the majority of the 150 families in Rosemala have left the place due to the absence of a proper road and the threat of wild animals. Till now the residents of the two villages had depended on solar power or kerosene to light a lamp.
“We still don’t have a road. Vehicles can’t run on the mud road. The families living there are under the threat of attack by wild animals. No marriage functions have taken place in our village,” said T. Thomas, who left Rajakooppu about 20 years ago. The residents have to travel around 14 km through the forest road to reach the nearest hospital at Aryankavu. About 50 years back, the government had acquired 1,200 acres of land from a private owner. A total of 600 acres was turned into forest and 600 families were given one acre each.
As several families left the place, the land was encroached by land mafia and landlords possess 10-25 acres each, Mr Thomas added. Many people are living in rented houses at Aryankavu area. As part of electrification, underground cables have been laid from Aryankavu to Rosemala. “The residents of Rosemala village should be rehabilitated at Aryankavu by giving them compensation and the area could be turned into forest. The people are also willing to leave the place,” a villager said.
