SURVEY OF TRIBAL DEVELOPMENT BLOCK - POLAVARAM WEST GODAVARI DISTRICT AP

Abstract

The present survey was designed to assess the socio-economic conditions of the Tribals development Blocks of the area of Andhra Pradesh. There was no base-line data available to assess the socio-economic problems obtaining in the tribal area of the State. In this connection, the TCR&TI has taken up socio-economic surveys of Tribal Development Blocks covering the important aspects of tribal life and development. Viz., Socio-Cultural and economic conditions of tribals, land development, Irrigation, Water supply, Education, Communication, Health, Hygiene etc. the primary data was collected for 1507 tribal households covering 46 villages through structure schedules in East Godavari District, besides primary data secondary data also collected from the various Department Offices. The Tribal Development Block, Polavaram has been functioning since 1-4-1959 for the development of the area and people. The protective legislation has been enforcing in the Block since 1961 onwards in order to protect the tribals from the chronic problems of land alienation, money lending and indebtedness. Furthermore, Forest Group Cooperative Society, and Forest Department have been striving to create employment facilities to sizeable landless tribals to enable them to rise their economic standard. Inf foregoing chapters various socio-economic problems of tribals have been discussed at length and some conclusion have been drawn. Basing on those conclusions the following recommendations are made in various fields of development for the Integrated Development of Scheduled Tribes and the area of the Block. It is roughly estimated that about 12,600 acres of land in Polavaram region, this requires the immediate attention of the Government for survey and settlement of tribal lands. Timely supply of seeds, implements, bullocks, fertilizers, pesticides, and fungicides and other inputs to tribal farmers enable them to increase production. The proposed 9 lift irrigation schemes in this area should be executed forthwith for the benefit of tribals and to boost up food production in the Block. Tribals depending on podu wholly or partly should be provided with alternative source to eke out their livelihood. The population of milch animals is fairly high in the block. Intensive poultry development for tribals in the block is essential to create additional source of income. The survey reveals that more tribals are indebted in Polavaram and Kondrukota circles. A high percentage of tribal households borrowed in the debt groups of Rs. 51-100 for household maintenance only. The study of the cooperative movement reveals that it is slowly inculcating the virtues of thrift and self-help among members. There is a possibility to start forest-based and Agro-based cottage industries like economic palm tree groves are found throughout the block especially in river-side and road-side villages. The interior villages of the Block are still inaccessible and especially during rainy season. Though the required number of Primary Schools are functioning the literacy percentage is not encouraging. Providing pucca buildings with full teaching and games equipment including furniture should be given priority. The response of the tribals to the modern methods of treatment is not encouraging. The health staff should visit tribal villages frequently to educate the tribals.