Sukma (Chhattisgarh) [India], January 20 (HBTV): The insurgency-affected Sukma district of Chhattisgarh is witnessing gradual transformation as bicycles distributed under the government’s Civic Action Programme are improving connectivity and access to essential services for villagers living in remote forest areas.
Under the initiative, security forces, including the Central Reserve Police Force and the district police, are working with the administration to distribute bicycles, enabling residents to reach ration shops, health centres and nearby markets with greater ease. Sukma Collector Devesh Kumar Dhruv said the programme has significantly reduced hardships faced by villagers who earlier had to walk long distances. ‘Under the Civic Action Programme, the police and CRPF are distributing bicycles. Earlier, people had to walk five to ten kilometres to collect rations or reach health centres. Now, they can cycle, which has brought a visible improvement in daily life,’ he said.
Local residents said the impact is evident, with quicker access to basic facilities and greater mobility within the district. Villager Vanjam Bhima recalled earlier difficulties, saying people had no commuting facilities and had to travel on foot for days to reach places such as Sukma, Bijapur and Dantewada. He said the bicycles provided by security forces have made travel easier and added that electricity and water supply are also reaching villages as part of broader development efforts.
Alongside improved connectivity, the district administration has also been focusing on livelihood generation through initiatives such as the Aam Bagicha project. The orchard-based programme aims to supplement incomes by encouraging the cultivation of mangoes and other seasonal fruits in suitable areas.
Collector Dhruv said the initiative is being implemented as per the directives of the Chhattisgarh government and aligns with the central government’s Lakhpati Didi vision to enhance rural incomes. He said the objective is to enable people to earn through activities beyond traditional agriculture by utilising available land for fruit cultivation.
Local resident Markam Dula said officials visited villages to explain the benefits of planting mango, coconut, lemon and other fruits, after which villagers agreed to participate. He said the administration provided support for fencing, borewells, transformers and other facilities. According to him, around 350 hybrid fruit saplings have been planted across about eight acres, and the orchards are nearing the fruit-bearing stage.
The administration said initiatives such as the Civic Action Programme and the Aam Bagicha project reflect sustained efforts to improve connectivity, livelihoods and overall development in one of Chhattisgarh’s most Naxal-affected districts.
(ANI)