In a 1st, power reaches tribal hamlet in Andhra

FOR the first time, the tribals of Jeelugulova, a remote PVTG (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group) hamlet atop Samalamma Hill in Cheemalapadu panchayat of Ravikamatham mandal in Anakapalle district, have seen electric lights brighten their village.

- USHA PERI @ Visakhapatnam

Marking the occasion with joy and emotion, the villagers celebrated the moment with traditional Dhimsa dance on Sunday night.

The hilltop village, home to eight families and around 50 people, has long lived in darkness, relying on fire torches and kerosene lamps. Surrounded by dense forest and facing the constant threat of wild animals after nightfall, the villagers spent many years in fear and isolation. "Even to charge a mobile phone, we had to walk nearly 7 kilometers to Bangaru Bandalu, the nearest village with a power supply. Night travel often came with the risk of snake bites and injuries," the tribals recalled.