A Forgotten Village Near Kodaikanal – Vellai Kavi Struggles Without Basic Amenities!
Kodaikanal is one of Tamil Nadu’s most famous tourist destinations, attracting thousands of visitors every year. However, just a few kilometers away, a small village named Vellai Kavi remains completely neglected by the government. Much like the fictional village Athupatti in the movie Citizen, this real-life village suffers from the complete absence of basic facilities. There is no proper drinking water, roads, healthcare, or schools, leaving the residents struggling for their daily survival.
A 400-Year-Old Village That Lacks Basic Development
Vellai Kavi village is located about 12 kilometers from Kodaikanal in Dindigul district. This settlement existed long before Kodaikanal became a tourist hub, yet it has never been included in any government development plans.
- One can travel only up to four kilometers from Kodaikanal by two-wheeler.
- Beyond that, the only way to reach the village is by navigating through forest paths, rocky terrain, and steep slopes.
- The lack of even a single proper road has isolated the village and made life extremely difficult for its residents.
A Tamil Janam news team visited the village to witness the struggles of the people firsthand.
Emergency? Walk or Be Carried!
For 400 years, Vellai Kavi’s residents have survived without even the most basic amenities.
- In medical emergencies, there is no vehicle access, so patients must walk long distances for treatment.
- In critical situations, patients are carried on makeshift stretchers or on people’s shoulders to reach medical care.
Without proper roads, reaching a hospital or even traveling to the nearest town is a painful struggle for these villagers.
Farming as the Only Livelihood – No Way to Sell Their Crops!
The residents of Vellai Kavi depend entirely on farming for their livelihood.
- They cultivate paddy, vegetables, and fruits, but there are no proper roads to transport these goods to markets.
- Farmers watch their produce go to waste due to the lack of transportation.
- Many families are struggling under financial debt, as they are unable to earn a stable income from agriculture.
While urban areas are expanding rapidly with new infrastructure projects, why has Vellai Kavi remained untouched by development?
A Village Without Schools, Communication, or Clean Water!
- There is no school in Vellai Kavi, forcing children to walk long distances for education.
- There are no proper communication facilities – no mobile network, no proper electricity supply.
- The villagers lack access to clean drinking water, making their daily survival even harder.
Government schemes that are supposed to uplift rural areas have completely bypassed Vellai Kavi. The villagers are left wondering, “What is our future?”
Politicians Come for Votes – Then Forget the People!
During every election, politicians visit the village promising development in exchange for votes. However,
- Once the elections are over, they completely forget about the village.
- Why has no government taken steps to improve this village?
- Why is it still living in isolation while nearby towns continue to develop?
The frustration and disappointment among the villagers have been growing for years.
Tamil Nadu Government Must Take Immediate Action!
Much like the village of Athupatti in Citizen, Vellai Kavi remains stuck in time, deprived of even the most basic necessities. The primary issue preventing progress is the lack of roads.
Our Appeal to the Tamil Nadu Government:
✅ Immediate construction of proper roads to connect Vellai Kavi to the nearest towns.
✅ Provision of drinking water, healthcare, schools, and electricity for the villagers.
✅ Introduction of transport and telecommunication facilities to improve connectivity.
✅ Government support for farmers to help them sell their produce and earn a sustainable income.
Despite repeated pleas, the government has failed to act. Now, it is time for the people to demand change.
“Vellai Kavi deserves to be rescued – The government must act immediately!”
A Forgotten Village Near Kodaikanal – Vellai Kavi Struggles Without Basic Amenities!
