The construction of a temporary footpath across the Moyar river for the tribals of Theppakadu in Nilgiris district is underway and being carried out intensively with the help of two Kumki elephants, Krishna and John.
The Nilgiris: Theppakadu is located in the heart of Mudumalai Tiger Reserve in the Nilgiris district. The people living in this village, situated on the banks of the Moyar river, generally used the bridge built by the British.
While the people of Masinagudi area were using the bridge, the old bridge was broken down to construct a new bridge, three years ago. Due to this, more than 100 tribals from Theppakadu area had to traverse around the forest on the 2 km temporary link road. This journey was accompanied by the risk of being attacked by wildlife like tigers and bears.
Subsequently, it was decided to construct a temporary footpath with dry trees in the middle of the River Moyar so that the tribals could easily reach their homes.
Accordingly, with the help of two Kumki elephants, Krishna and John, in the Mudumalai Theppakadu elephant camp, the work of paving the footpath through trees in the middle of the river is being carried out vigorously.
Meanwhile, the tribals of Theppakadu have demanded that the Highways Department officials should immediately intervene and complete the construction of the broken bridge at the earliest.