Mananthavady: Even as crores of rupees are poured into tribal welfare projects, a hand-pulled cart still remains the only way to move a critically ill patient from a remote tribal hamlet to the hospital.

The stark reality came to light in Thirunelli,  the very panchayat from which the Minister for Scheduled Tribes hails.

The patient, 67-year-old Unnikrishnan of the Mappilakolli unnathi (settlement) in Panavalli, had to be transported on an arbana, a hand-drawn trolley. A video of three people dragging the cart for nearly 300 metres has gone viral on social media, triggering widespread criticism. The incident took place in a local body that has remained under CPM rule since its formation.

Unnikrishnan has been bedridden for two years following a stroke and is currently under the care of a traditional practitioner in Thrissur. With the narrow, rugged path leading to the settlement too tight to even carry him on a chair, the arbana was the only option. After being hauled through the steep stretch, he would be shifted to another vehicle once the main road was reached.

The settlement, nestled in a hill valley, is home to five families who have lived there for generations. Though authorities have attempted to relocate them, the families have refused, citing inadequate compensation. Panchayat officials said the relocation proposal stemmed from the lack of a proper access road and frequent wildlife threats.