VIDEO: Students And Villagers Forced To Wade Through Mud, Streams, And Riverbeds Daily In Nashik

Even after 75 years of independence, the tribal residents of Khairewadi in Chinchalekhere, Igatpuri taluka, continue to battle for basic necessities like roads, education, and medical access. Despite numerous government schemes aimed at uplifting tribal communities, the ground reality in Khairewadi paints a grim picture of neglect and unfulfilled promises.

Students and villagers from the area risk their lives every day, especially during the monsoon, just to reach school or access essential services. With no proper roads leading to the village, they are forced to wade through mud, streams, and riverbeds — a life-threatening journey made daily by young children and the elderly alike.

Local activist Sitaram Gawandha from the Shramjeevi Sanghatana has sharply criticized the state of development in the region, stating that tribal citizens have become victims of political apathy. “Public representatives are busy showcasing projects worth crores, yet they have no time to visit tribal hamlets just a few kilometers away,” he said.

A viral video recently surfaced showing a critically ill woman being transported on a makeshift stretcher across the same treacherous riverbed to reach medical help. The video sparked outrage, but the silence from government officials and local leaders has been both deafening and disappointing.

MLA Hiraman Khoskar recently performed a symbolic 'jal pujan' at Bham and Bhavli dams but did not visit Khairewadi, a village just eight kilometers away from the site. “This speaks volumes about the priorities of our elected leaders,” Gawandha remarked.

District Collector Jalaj Sharma and then Tehsildar Parameshwar Kasul had visited the village two years ago, promising to address the road issue. While the road project was reportedly approved, no work has begun, leaving villagers stranded in dangerous conditions each monsoon.

The situation remains dire. Students are being deprived of education, and residents face fatal delays in accessing medical treatment. “The country may have gained freedom, but these tribal communities are still denied the freedom to live with dignity,” Gawandha added.