Andhra Pradesh: Residents of 'Army Village' forced to walk 5 kms for water

Residents of Bavajipalem, a village in Nizampatnam mandal, which is also known as the ‘Army Village’ due to the large number of people who join the Indian army, are forced to walk nearly four to five kilometres to get access to drinking water. Each family in the village has at least one member in the Indian Army.
Representative Picture of Indian Army

Representative Picture of Indian Army

Photo : iStock
Hyderabad: Residents of Bavajipalem, a village in Nizampatnam mandal, which is also known as the ‘Army Village’ due to the large number of people who join the Indian army, are forced to walk nearly four to five kilometres to get access to drinking water, reported the Times of India.
It is said that in this village each family has at least one member currently serving in or has previously served in the Indian Army. The total population of the village is about 8,000 (around 2,500 families) and there are over 400 serving soldiers and about 1,000 retired jawans, reported the Times of India.
Former Sarpanch, Shaik Nazeer Ahmed, said“We feel it is a privilege to serve the Army and the nation. We feel proud that Bavajipalem is known as the state’s ‘Army village’ and we shall keep the legacy going,”, as reported by the Times of India.
However, locals say that despite the immense contribution of the village to the nation, development in the area has been largely ignored by successive governments.
It is a common sight to see soldiers walking about 4-5 kilometres to fetch a pot of water when they come home on leave. We feel proud to take on the country’s enemies on the border. It, however, pains me to see the struggle of our people to fetch a pot of water,” said a serving soldier who did not wish to be named, reported the Times of India.
“Our youth are engaged in fighting the enemies on the nation’s border but we have not been able to win the battle with local administration to get basic facilities to our village,” said another local, who retired from the Army several years ago. “For the village youth, Army is the first choice. They start physical training to get themselves fit and ready to join the Army right after completion of their XII (intermediate), he added, as reported by the Times of India.
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