Chembakolli

Chembakolli is a village in India. It is in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is in the south of India surrounded by forests. It is located in the Nilgiri Hills. Chembakolli's closest town is Gudalur and its closest city is Mysore. People in Chembakolli are very poor and live on a very unstable diet.

Land Rights

The Adivasi tribe were forced to leave their forest land when the Mudumalai Forest Reserve was established in 1940.^[1] On 5 December 1988 10,000 people took part in a march through the town of Gudalur, demanding the return of their land.

The Adivasi now live in 200 villages, including Chembakolli, and have the own school, Vidyodaya School, and, since 1990, their own hospital in Gudalur. They also own their own tea estate.^[2]

Agriculture

Most people in Chembakolli are farmers. Crops include rice, onions, tomatoes, peppers and oranges. These crops are generally grown for consumption in the village rather than for sale. Tea is the main commercial crop grown around Chembakolli.

Transport

One of the Nilgiri Ghat Roads runs from Ooty to Mysore through Gudalur. There is a bus station in Gudalur, operated by the Tamil Nadu Transport Corporation. Buses run from Gudalur to Nilgiri, Ooty and other destinations. There is also an express bus to Chennai.^[3]

The nearest railway station is at Mysore with train services to Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, Jaipur and other destinations. There is also a station at Ooty serving the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. The nearest airport is Coimbatore Airport.

Education

Children walk to their nearest school, in Gudalur.^[4] This school has recently been rebuilt and has a library, computers and a large hall. This school is involved in teacher training. School trips are arranged, and the school has a small bus. If there was a elephant in the way they would turn back and go home.^[5]

The village became notable in the UK when it was chosen by the UK Department of Education as a location for case study in Geography Unit 10: A village in India.^[6] ActionAid produce materials to aid in the study of the location.^[7]

References

1. ^ Chembakolli.com slideshow (6)
2. ^ Adivasi Land Rights March
3. ^ Gudalur Bus Station
4. ^ Chebacolli.com Hot Seat
5. ^ Chembakolli.com Blog Preview
6. ^ The Standards Site: Where are Asia, India and Chembakolli?
7. ^ Times Educational Supplement: A return to village life