The Dalit settlement in Pirali village in Limdi Taluka is facing an economic boycott of sorts by the upper caste Darbar community which blocked their access to the village and even stopped them from going outside for work. The trouble started after the Dalits protested against the Darbars releasing sewage into their area three years ago.

“Earlier, the sewage from the Darbar locality used to flow out of the village, but about three years ago they changed the direction of the water and made it flow towards our village,” said Tulsi Parmar, a resident of the Dalit village. “With the sewage flowing straight into our area we have major water contamination,” he said.

“I got the water tested at a Gandhinagar laboratory and informed the Talati and the Sarpanch that the water is unfit for drinking,” said Ranobha Rathod, a local health worker. “I have also told them to ensure that the sewage discharge is stopped to prevent serious health implications, but nothing has been done,” he added.

The Darbars have now blocked the road connecting the settlement to the Dalit village. The Dalits are now being forced to travel through another road which bypasses the village. The Indian Express reporter, too, was accosted by some men wielding sticks when he tried to take the disputed road.”What are you doing here? You guys have no business here,” said a member of the group. Asked about the problems with the Dalits, a youngster in the group, said: “Yes, there are issues with the Dalits here, but we do not wish to discuss it with you.”

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