Community Development Through Sustainable Technology—A Proposed Study with Irula Tribe of Masinagudi and Ebbanad Villages of Nilgiri District

Abstract: Irulars are one among six Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) of Tamil Nadu. In the study area, Masinagudi and Ebbanad villages, the Indigenous community dwells in thick forest region of Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. In comparison with other PVTGs, Irula community of these regions are behind in development due to their remote location. They have very minimum basic amenities, nutritional deficiencies, high dropout rate in schools, low literacy rate, and often migrate
to other places in search of better livelihood. It resulted in the community to face the vulnerable living conditions. Unemployment, indebtedness, inadequate healthcare and poor education facility for children are increasing problems of this community. Added to that, the practice of unsustainable agriculture, chemical utilization, contaminating the wildlife habitats and nearby environment. The increasing conflicts of animal–domestic animal and animals–human shows that Irula community is at risk. The present study focuses on development of Irulas community with appropriate sustainable technologies reviewing successful intervention from different aspects. The probability of implementation of successful intervention of appropriate sustainable technologies will be presented as framework to promote the Irula community of Masinagudi and Ebbanad village of Nilgiris district.