Tribals protest over incomplete roads in Anakapalle district

Visakhapatnam: Residents of several tribal hamlets under Arla panchayat in Anakapalli district staged a protest march along muddy roads on Monday, demanding the government complete pending road works.

They alleged that nearly ₹1 crore was spent on road construction, but the works remain incomplete. Heavy rains have washed away the earthwork, leaving the roads slushy and trapping ambulances and other vehicles.

Residents of Losangi, Patha Losangi and Peddaguruvu villages in Rolugunta mandal said they continue to face severe hardship due to poor connectivity. In emergencies, pregnant women are still being carried on makeshift stretchers (dolis) to the Kothuru health centre.

Protesters said funds were sanctioned in 2024 under the employment guarantee scheme to construct a BT road, and foundation stones were laid under the Palle Panduga programme in January 2025. Though work began, only partial earthwork and gravel laying were completed before being abandoned.

Subsequent rains washed away the unfinished road. Earlier attempts using mandal parishad funds and contributions from tribal families also failed, with roads repeatedly damaged during monsoons, they added.