Priyanka dares through Nilambur forest, visits tribespeople

Congress general secretary and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra visited the Cholanaikar tribespeople living in caves deep inside the Nilambur forest on Wednesday.

She braved the forest’s challenging terrain with a handful of Congress leaders and officials, receiving guidance and support from tribal women who helped her navigate steep rocks.

She reached the settlements at Manjeeri, Panappuzha, and Kannikkai and listened to primitive tribespeople living several kilometres inside the forest.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra being helped by a tribal youth to climb down a rock.
| Photo Credit:
SAKEER HUSSAIN

Ms. Vadra also visited Vinod, a tribal youth currently pursuing a doctoral programme.

She presided over a meeting of officials at Nedunkayam, where the issues faced by tribespeople were discussed.

Aryadan Shoukath, MLA, A.P. Anil Kumar, MLA, DCC president V.S. Joy, Nilambur South Divisional Forest Officer G. Dhanik Lal, and Karulai Range Forest Officer Mujeeb Rahman were among those who accompanied Ms. Vadra.

After visiting the Cholanaykkar tribal community, the Congress MP reached the Nilambur teak depot. She walked around the depot and inquired about the activities of the museum located there.

Earlier in the day, Ms. Vadra visited the Nilambur railway station to assess the development work being carried out there. She also discussed the Vaniyambalam railway flyover, Nilambur station’s renovation, and other railway-related needs in the area.

During the day, she also posted a video on social media platform ‘X’ about her visit to the site of the proposed Padinjarathara–Poozhithodu road at Kottiyamvayal in Wayanad district. Along with the video, she put up a post which said, “Visited the proposed Padinjarathara–Poozhithodu road site at Kottiyamvayal, along with the District Collector, District Forest Officer and PWD Executive Engineers.

“This new road would make a big difference by providing an alternate route for the Thamarassery ghat road, which would improve the connectivity of the Wayanad district.”