Sitathod (Pathanamthitta) ∙ A 40-feet-tall hut at the top of a huge tree, with steps made of forest sticks to reach it. Waiting is a big risk if you miss a foot. This is the misery that Ponnamma, who is 8 months pregnant, has to go to sleep safely. Ponnamma will be exhausted by the time she reaches Erumada with a full stomach.
‘With the wild animal harassment becoming unbearable, there is no other way to save lives. Tired of talking about misery. Even if the authorities don’t want to hear it, shouldn’t we have to live?’- Laha Manjathod tears up hearing the words of Ponnamma, Rajendran’s wife, who lives in a hermitage in the adivasi village fearing wild animals.
They belonged to the Malampandara tribe and lived in Chalakayam forest in the Sabarimala forest. It is coming here after the process of giving land to tribal families has started, centered on Laha Manjatho. A camp was set up along the road, but within a few days the katana was destroyed. He didn’t stay long, he repaired and made habitable the previous hut in the tree next to the hut.
The family consisting of Rajamanikyam and Rajamani, the sons of Rajendran and Ponnamma, have been spending the night in this slum for a year. By evening, everyone will return to the hermitage from the temporary shed. The younger son is tied to the marap and carried inside it. In this state of Ponnamma, it is very difficult to get into Erumadam. Rajendran also says that there are health problems due to malnutrition.
It is common for wild animals to arrive here before dusk. The living shed was destroyed several times by the elephant. Tigers are also coming. The other day the tiger chased the pet dog.
English Summary: Family stays in Erumadam at Pathanamthitta