Regions:
VRO in Vizag Region
ORISSA-I & II
## RAJAHMUNDRY-III
## GUNTUR-IV
## NELLORE-V
## CUDDAPAH-VI
TAMIL NADU-VII & VIII
## HYDERABAD–IX
A ## SURYAPET-IX
B ## WARDHA-X
RAJASTAN-XI
## VIZAG-XII
It
is only in 1995 that the Vizag Region was officially detached
from the Rajahmundry Mother-region, under the guidance of
our senior most Volunteer Sri S.Jesudas, the VRO Deputy Director.
For
a long time the significance of this Vizag Region, was apparent
to us. It needed, as usual, a calamity to compel us to enter
and respond to the clamor of villages there. The Region includes
the whole Vizag dt, with some 4 million inhabitants, the 3rd
most important harbour of India, and the northern link to
Orissa.
The
Socio cultural character of the region is specially determined
by the contrast ( as in the Rajahmundry Region) between the
Western hilly tribal "agency" Villages, and the
Eastern lower-level coast-linked villages. The division is
clear-cut by the National Highway (NS). The North-South division
is also market by the vital Railway Junction of Walter-Vizag
where the U-boat and Naval-base operate, side by side with
an intensive export-import trade, and in the shadow of the
gaint Steel plant with its auxiliaries.
Tribal
villages in the west are more mixed with other groups here
than else where. They are idealogically situated at the floor
of green hills, or on less accessible hill tops. The 40-50
odd fisher villages have been pushed further away from the
central harbour in the last 10 years, but survive some how,
in poverty.
The
environment is characterised by the predominantly conal type
of leaf huts, the same for cattle and for humans. A bunch
of bamboos, the leaves of some 100 palmyrah trees, and a lot
of barkrope suffice for a house, plastered with mud all around.
The hills give them some sustenance, but only for few months.
The remaining time they try to earn a daily wage on the valley
- fields. For women there is an additional income from the
skilful large leaf-plate gathering and fabrication.
Large-scale
fruit-tree plantation has been taken up in recent years by
Govenment and voluntary agencies alike, on a fruit sharing
basis. But the lure of the city in times of scarcity and insecurity
demands protective and progressive assistance: so then, VRO!
The
importance of this village-region cannot be underestimated.
The unexpected rapid break-through we made there with the
help of the Belgian Government, has already shown how value-villages
can still be moved to lead other villages. Other vol-agencies
begin to look for us and follow us.
As
yet we do not experience any special problems: may be because
of valuable terrain preparation by Wg.Commander Ramana, who
lend us his health centre as a service base or because of
the real dire need of the people. But in the coastal region,
where prawn factories again have cropped up in a terrible
hurry to beat the Supreme Court against them, we expect a
longer struggle.
HISTORY
OF THE REGION
1994-95:
The initial survey was made of villages in the 2 mandals,
with the help of Wg. Comm. Ramana, under the stimulation of
the RAjahmundry Reg. Coord. Vijaya Kumar. After surveying
some 25 villages, who were tested and tried, we initially
took up 7 villages.
- Dharmavaram
- G.Cheedupally
- Chilkavanipalem
- Gadabpalem
- Z.bennavaram
- Mulakalampalli
- Pedimpalem
1995:
Under an agreement with ABOS ( a Belgian Govt. Dept.) we started
the first constructions and within the space of a year
1995-86:
The first 2 villages were inaugurated. Soon to be followed
by other 4 villages. The Regional base office was extended
to accommodate more people and volunteers.
1996:
After settlement of land-issues, and training additional volunteers,
2 more villages were started and before the end of 1996, 2
villages were inaugurated.
A
pride really in our crown, becuse of their color and solidarity
and beauty. In Chilakavaripalem village the largest ever found
bamboo (25m) became the flag post.
1997:
Inspite of delay of funds, and of adverse weather the work
intensified, and we look forward to completing the last 4
villages before the year end.
Meanwhile
the survey has intensified also of the eastern part of the
region in the fishermen villages. Upto date we have already
visited 58 villages, tested 6 villages and started material
gathering in 2 villages. |
