Schoolchildren in Pacchedoddi village, located in Karnataka’s Chamarajanagar district, are forced to walk nearly seven kilometres through dense forest each day to attend school, exposing themselves to potential encounters with wild animals such as tigers, elephants, and leopards. The perilous route passes through the Male Mahadeshwara Hills forest region, a habitat known for its rich wildlife, intensifying concerns over student safety.
The situation arose after the village road was severely damaged, disrupting regular transport services and leaving students with no alternative to reach their schools. Parents and locals say the closure of a previously provided Forest Department jeep service has further compounded the issue, forcing children to undertake the dangerous trek daily despite the risks.
Parents have expressed frustration over what they see as inaction by local authorities, alleging that neither the repair of the road nor the restoration of bus services has been prioritized. “With no transport available, our children are forced to walk through the forest daily, risking their lives,” said a parent from the village. Many fear that encounters with wild animals could have tragic consequences if urgent measures are not taken.
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In response to these dangers, students and parents have written to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, urging immediate intervention. They have requested that the road be repaired and that safe transport options such as buses or jeeps be reinstated to ensure children can reach school without risking their lives. A student appealed directly, stating, “Doesn’t the CM or the local MLA see our plight? We need safe travel to school immediately.”
Local authorities have yet to provide a timeline for road repairs or restoration of transport services. Villagers hope that the appeal to the state government will lead to swift action, particularly as children continue to make the daily journey through the forest despite growing fears.
Education advocates and child safety experts have also weighed in, emphasizing the urgent need for safe commuting infrastructure in rural areas, especially those near wildlife zones. They stress that ensuring students’ safety should be a top priority, and temporary measures such as escorted jeep services or alternative transport routes must be arranged immediately.
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