Govt prioritising amenities for displaced families returning to Bastar villages as Naxal threat recedes: Collector
Jagadalpur, July 10
With the decline in Naxal violence across Bastar, displaced families are returning to their native villages, prompting the Chhattisgarh government to prioritise the restoration of infrastructure and basic amenities to facilitate their resettlement.
Speaking to ANI, Baster Collector Aakash Chhikara said the administration is focusing on road connectivity and other essential services to ensure returning families can rebuild their lives with dignity and security.
"In the past, when the Naxal menace was prevalent here, many families moved to other regions due to fear or other reasons. Now that the district and the entire Bastar region are becoming Naxal-free and these families are returning, the government is working continuously--on a top-priority basis--to provide them with all necessary amenities. For instance, under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, 236 kilometres of roads have already been sanctioned in Phase 4 (Batch 1), and another 292 kilometres are proposed under Batch 2," Chhikara told ANI.
Residents who had once fled the violence said the improving security situation has encouraged families to return to their ancestral homes.
Fuldev Thakur, a resident of Koleng-Chhinggur village, said many families who had migrated due to Naxal violence are now rebuilding their lives in the village.
"Initially, there were 107 households here. About 60 to 70 families fled the area, but they have now returned to their original villages. Things are fine now. More than 30 families have already returned. People are coming back and trying to rebuild their lives. Previously, they were getting beaten up from all sides because of the Naxalites. That is why they fled. They also had no land elsewhere," he said.
Earlier this week, the Chhattisgarh government said the eradication of Naxalism has opened the door for displaced families to return to villages such as Balebeda and Garpa, where they are receiving assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). Authorities are also restoring schools, drinking water facilities, roads and other public infrastructure as part of efforts to revive villages once abandoned due to Naxal violence.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As someone who's worked in development, I appreciate the government's efforts, but 236 km of roads sanctioned doesn't mean they're built yet. Let's see the actual ground-level progress. The Naxal problem took decades to fester—resettlement needs sustained attention, not just press releases.
This is what inclusive development looks like! 🙏 The Collector's words about "dignity and security" are important—these families didn't leave by choice. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana giving them homes is a lifeline. However, I hope the administration also addresses trauma counseling and livelihood support. Losing years to fear needs healing beyond just infrastructure.
Great to see genuine progress in Chhattisgarh. 236 km roads sanctioned is impressive, but I wonder about the remaining 60-70 families who haven't returned yet. What's holding them back? The administration should actively reach out to all displaced, not just those who come back on their own.
As someone from Chhattisgarh, this is deeply satisfying. My grandparents fled from Bastar during the 1980s unrest. Seeing families return to villages like Balebeda and Garpa is a testament to persistent security operations. But the real test will be whether basic amenities sustain over time—not just during election season. 🏡
I'm cautiously optimistic. The article mentions schools and water facilities being restored, which is critical. But what about electricity access and mobile connectivity? In today's world, digital inclusion matters too. Hope the administration thinks holistically about these returning families' needs—not just roads and houses.
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