Karambali Thakurwadi and Kadai Dhangarwada in Khalapur taluka had no roads, clean water, or a school for decades; now, forest clearance paves way for 5.5-km link to main road
A villager carries water on an unmotorable road in the Karambali Thakurwadi village in Raigad district on May 11, 2024. FILE PIC/ATUL KAMBLE
Just 103 km from Mumbai, the tribal villages of Karambali Thakurwadi and Kadai Dhangarwada in Khalapur taluka of Raigad district have remained cut off for generations, without roads, clean water, or a school. Over 120 households continue to struggle in isolation, especially during the monsoon, when the hilly terrain becomes nearly impassable.
Now, on the eve of India’s 79th Independence Day, these hamlets have finally received long-awaited permission from the Forest Department (granted on August 11) to begin road construction, with work expected to commence after the rains.
Santosh Thakur
Activists, who had threatened to protest on August 15, see this as a long-overdue yet hopeful step. mid-day had earlier published a series of stories highlighting their plight. A Juhu-based private landowner had even donated a portion of land to support the project, but the files remained stuck, with no progress until now.
Road only on paper
Both Karambali Thakurwadi and Kadai Dhangarwada are located at a higher altitude. The nearest main road connecting these villages is at Donvat, about 10.5 km away. Road work from Donvat to Ujaloli village, a 5 km stretch, has been completed. However, the road from Ujaloli to Karambali Thakurwadi and Kadai Dhangarwada, a further 5.5 km, does not exist at all. Yet, government records falsely indicate that a road exists to both villages and have even assigned it an official village road number.
Century-long struggle
Lakshman Ghate fetches water daily from a water hole 4 km from his house, on a bullock cart. FILE PIC/ATUL KAMBLE
Santosh Thakur, president of the Gram Sanvardhan Samajik Sanstha, and local resident, said, “After decades of tireless efforts, protests, and administrative hurdles, the long-isolated tribal hamlet of Karambali Thakurwadi in Khalapur taluka has finally received conditional forest permission to build a road — a lifeline we have been pleading for over a hundred years,” said an emotional Thakur.
Clearance after pressure
“This came after a prolonged struggle involving coordination between multiple departments. After numerous rounds of meetings and an ultimatum to lock the range forest office, Khalapur on August 15 if action wasn’t taken, the administration finally responded. We even began a fast-unto-death protest on July 24, and only then did the files start moving,” said Thakur.
Fast until death protest by tribals on July 24. PIC/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
“The road project is estimated to cost around Rs 15 lakh, with a proposal to route it through either the zilla parishad (PWD) or the CMGSY (Chief Minister Gram Sadak Yojana) scheme for a more comprehensive budget. The deputy engineer (Construction) under CMGSY, Karjat sub-divisional office, has confirmed that work will commence after the monsoon,” said Thakur.
Roads bring dignity
“There are still 16 tribal hamlets in Khalapur taluka alone in similar conditions. This is about dignity, access, and being seen. We’re ready to cooperate, but the administration — especially the Integrated Tribal Development Department (ITDD) — needs to wake up. They have funds — why are they not acting?"
The journey isn’t over, but for the first time in a century, the villagers of Karambali Thakurwadi can see a road ahead — one that leads not just to their homes but also to long-overdue justice, Thakur said.
“I have approved the proposal on behalf of the user agency, strictly adhering to existing norms and legal parameters. I genuinely hope the project moves forward without further delay,” said Rahul Patil, deputy conservator of forests, Raigad district.
“In the past two years, I have cleared nearly 60 to 70 proposals seeking forest permissions for essential infrastructure in tribal hamlets be it roads, drinking water facilities, or electricity pole installation,” Rahul said.
Cash crunch crisis
“The dream of having a proper tar road is finally within reach. Although the Forest Department has granted the NOC, the implementing agency — zilla parishad (PWD) — currently lacks funds,” said Satyajit Bade, CEO, zilla parishad, Raigad. “We’ve waited for years and remain hopeful this long-pending demand will be fulfilled, provided funds are allocated in time.”
Bade said Rs 30 lakh was sanctioned three years ago but surrendered due to delays and pending clearances. Now that forest permission is in place, the ZP (PWD) will submit a fresh funding proposal to the District Planning Committee. Once approved, work can start before the next monsoon.
The road linking Ujaloli to Karambali Thakurwadi in Khalapur has now been sanctioned under the Chief Minister Gram Sadak Yojana (CMGSY), with a work order issued in April 2025 for completion in 12 months. A Raigad-based contractor has been appointed, with CMGSY Executive Engineer Sarika Desai overseeing. If executed under CMGSY, ZP (PWD) will not be involved.
Rs 15L
Estimated cost of the road
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