Karnataka Students Forced to Walk 7 km Through Forest Daily to Attend School, Families Appeal to CM

Chamarajanagar, Karnataka | December 7, 2025 In a remote village of Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka, schoolchildren are facing a daily struggle to access education. Students from Pacchedoddi village are compelled to walk nearly seven kilometres through dense forest terrain every day to reach their school. The route passes through the Male Mahadeshwara Hills region, an area known for its rich wildlife, including elephants, leopards, and tigers, making the journey extremely dangerous. Parents and residents say the lack of safe transport and proper roads has left children exposed to serious risks. Earlier, students used to travel to school via a jeep service provided by the forest department. However, the service has been discontinued, and no alternative transport has been arranged. With no buses or private vehicles available, children have no choice but to take the forest route. Villagers express deep concern over their safety, noting that they are vulnerable not only to wild animals but also to harsh weather conditions and rough terrain. The journey is physically exhausting and mentally stressful, especially for younger children. Families have now reached out to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, submitting an urgent appeal for immediate intervention. They are requesting the restoration of transport services, such as a school bus or a jeep, and repairs to the damaged road that connects the village to the main highway. Residents insist that these measures are essential to ensure the safety of children and allow them to attend school without fear. They warn that without action, children may be forced to miss school regularly, which could affect their education and overall development. The daily forest trek is taking a toll on students’ physical and emotional well-being. Many report feeling tired, anxious, and unsafe, and parents fear that prolonged exposure to these conditions could have long-term consequences. The lack of infrastructure highlights a larger issue of inadequate access to education in remote and forest-adjacent villages. Without proper roads and reliable transportation, children in such regions face daily hardships that their urban counterparts rarely encounter. Local authorities acknowledge the problem but cite logistical and funding challenges in providing transport and repairing the road. However, villagers emphasize that prompt action is crucial. They stress that education is a fundamental right, and children should not have to risk their lives simply to attend school. The families hope that the Chief Minister and state government will respond swiftly to restore transport facilities and improve connectivity, ensuring children can travel safely. This situation serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by children in remote areas, where geography and infrastructure limitations directly impact access to education. Residents of Pacchedoddi village urge the government to prioritize their safety, emphasizing that immediate action can prevent accidents, improve attendance, and support the overall development of children in the region. Providing a safe and reliable means for students to reach school is not just a convenience — it is a necessity for their well-being and future prospects. Karnataka Students Forced to Walk 7 km Through Forest Daily to Attend School, Families Appeal to CM In a remote village in Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka, schoolchildren are walking nearly seven kilometres through dense forest every day just to reach their school. The route passes through the Male Mahadeshwara Hills, home to wildlife including elephants, leopards, and tigers, making the journey risky for children. Earlier, a jeep provided by the forest department used to transport students safely, but that service has stopped. With no buses or other vehicles available, children have no choice but to take the forest path. Parents are worried about their safety, as the trek is physically exhausting and mentally stressful, especially for younger students. Families have now appealed directly to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, asking for urgent intervention. They are requesting the restoration of safe transport, either a jeep or a school bus, and repair of the damaged road that connects the village to the main highway. Without these measures, children may have to risk the dangerous walk daily, which could affect their attendance, studies, and overall development. The situation highlights a larger issue of lack of infrastructure and safe access to education in remote and forest‑adjacent villages. Children are not only exposed to wild animals and harsh weather but also face long, tiring journeys that can impact their health and learning. Parents and residents urge the government to act quickly to ensure safety and prevent accidents. Local authorities recognize the problem but cite logistical challenges. Villagers insist that education is a right, and children should not have to risk their lives to go to school. Immediate steps to restore transport and improve roads would allow students to travel safely, attend classes regularly, and focus on their education without fear.