Jawadhu Hills residents protest delay to proposed forest road

Residents of Kanamalai, a remote tribal village in Tamil Nadu’s Jawadhu Hills, have been protesting delays to a proposed forest road, The Hindu reported. Kanamalai village panchayat covers 32 tribal hamlets, including Ezhuthampattu, Neepathurai and Arasanoor. Residents said the road was needed to improve access to healthcare, education, markets and essential supplies for about 3,000 people.

A resident, A. Munusamy, said sick people, including children, had to travel about 10 kilometres to reach a government health centre at Kalasamudram. Pregnant women were carried to a hospital in Padavedu, while students seeking higher education trekked 12 kilometres to Ananthapuram in the plains.

Residents also said a nurse rarely visited the hamlets because of the difficult terrain. During the monsoon, they said, fair-price shops could not be supplied because the route became steep and muddy. Farmers mainly grow millets, vegetables and greens, while honey collection is also an important occupation.

Forest officials said the proposed road would connect Padavedu and Shenbagathoppu over 6.7 kilometres. The State government approved the project in 2025 at a cost of ₹4.11 crore, they said. Forest Range Officer S.

Murugan said the road would be built at least 500 metres from Santhavasal reserve forest to connect the tribal hamlets. It would be 3.75 metres wide with paved shoulders, three causeways and culverts, while side walls would be added at four hairpin bends. Officials said the proposal was sent again to the State government after the 2026 Assembly elections and was still awaiting approval.

They said the District Collector and District Forest Officer had been informed about the residents’ urgent need for the road.