In This Tamil Nadu Village, Toda Tribe Struggles To Survive Amid Harsh Conditions

Do you know about the challenging life of the Toda tribe, an ethnic group who live in Tamil Nadu? It is believed that in the Bikkampatti mandu village area, the local people frequently have to pass through regions inhabited by animals like beer, elephant, buffaloes, leopard on a daily basis, making it challenging for them. Bikkampatti mandu village is located at a distance of about 4 km from Kengumudi village in Appanadu of Nilgiris district. The Toda tribe reside in the Bikkampatti mandu area. They have spent half their lives demanding basic rights like roads, bus services, and electricity. Currently, a government bus runs only up to Koranoor, and from there, they still have to walk approximately three kilometres through dense forest.

The road leading to their village is mostly a dirty path and; in some places, there are potholes. There are some stretches paved with rough stones. In addition, wild animals often visit this area, causing the villagers to live in constant fear.

The people in that area practice agriculture and rear buffaloes to produce and sell dairy products. Due to the long distances they must walk to reach other villages, and thus their livelihoods have become increasingly difficult. In the past, more than 50 families lived in this village, but now there are fewer than 15 families. Many have relocated for their children’s education.

Supreya, a Toda woman from Bikkampatti mandu, claimed that they need basic facilities like proper roads and other amenities to improve the lives of the children there. She further explained that the lack of basic facilities has forced many families to leave the area. There are only 15 families left from the original 50. To attend school, children have to walk four kilometres, and during the rainy season, they get bitten by insects on the way. She also added that now they have two wheelers which has somehow reduced the problem.

She also added that, initially they used to practise agriculture, but somehow it had stopped as it became a threat for them because of the wild animals. It takes a lot of time to reach another village and return in order to take milk. As a result of this, they have stopped selling milk to other areas as well.