Karnataka Students Risk Wildlife Encounters on 7 km Forest Trek to School After Road Damage

Students in a village in Karnataka's Chamarajanagar district are compelled to trek almost seven kilometers daily through thick forest to reach their school due to damaged village roads. This dangerous journey puts them at risk of encountering wildlife.

Their path traverses the Male Mahadeshwara Hills forest area, which is inhabited by numerous wild animals including tigers, elephants, and leopards.

Despite facing constant fear for their safety, children from Pacchedoddi village have no alternative but to walk through the forest to attend school as severe damage to the village road has halted all transportation services.

Previously, the Forest Department provided a jeep service to ensure students' safety, but this facility has since been discontinued according to local residents.

Parents claim that officials have taken no steps to reinstate bus services or repair the damaged road. Without any available transport, children are forced to undertake the perilous daily journey through the forest.

Worried about their wellbeing, the students and their parents have sent a letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah requesting urgent intervention. Their appeal includes requests for road repairs and restoration of bus services to ensure safe travel to school.

One student expressed frustration saying, "Can't the CM or local MLA see our difficult situation? We plead for their assistance to arrange either a bus or jeep so we can travel to school safely without risking encounters with wild animals during our journey."