Sukma (Chhattisgarh) [India], October 2 (HBTV): Puvarti, a village in Chhattisgarh’s Naxal-affected Sukma district once known for gunfire, deadly landmines and Maoist leaders such as Hidma and Deva, is now emerging as a symbol of change and development.
In a major step towards connectivity, the Chhattisgarh government has launched a bus service from Puvarti to Sukma, offering safe and reliable transport for the first time. Roads earlier feared for Naxal activity now see buses carrying villagers for education, healthcare and livelihoods.
Locals described the daily service as a ‘blessing’, recalling that earlier they had to walk for days or risk their lives to reach nearby towns. ‘Now we can send our children to school, take patients to hospitals safely, and reach the market without difficulty. Life has become more secure and convenient,’ villagers said. Women residents noted that the service has also given them confidence and a sense of safety.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said, ‘Due to Naxalism, Bastar was left behind in development. But with the bravery of our security forces, peace is returning. We have launched bus services from Jagargunda to Sukma and from Puvarti to Sukma. Earlier, people had to walk several kilometres. Now transportation has become much easier. This is the result of our fight against Naxalism over the past 20 months.’
Sukma Collector Devesh Kumar Dhruv said the initiative, called Hakkum Mail, is funded by NITI Aayog and aims to connect remote villages with district and block headquarters. Currently, four buses operate daily, carrying 100–120 passengers with two trips each. Alongside transport, efforts are underway to expand electricity, drinking water under Jal Jeevan Mission, healthcare, education and Anganwadi services.
Explaining the name, Sukma Nodal Officer Kailash Kashyap said, ‘Hakkum is a local word derived from traditional musical instruments used to announce important news. These buses are helping bridge remote villages with the mainstream.’
Residents and drivers shared their experiences, emphasising that new roads and the bus service have made movement safer and quicker. For Puvarti, once a centre of insurgency, the service marks a turning point towards peace and development.
(ANI)