The forested areas of Manpur in Chhattisgarh’s Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh district, once plagued by ‘red terror,’ have seen a significant transformation in recent years due to the construction of a network of roads. This change, credited largely to the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) by the Centre, has not only altered the region’s landscape but also put an end to the cycle of violence.
Previously, villagers had to navigate footpaths to reach the district headquarters, but with the new road network, there has been a remarkable improvement in connectivity, benefiting the lives of the locals. The roads built under PMGSY have brought about positive changes, enhancing connectivity within the forested zones of the district, much to the appreciation of the villagers.
The villagers, expressing their gratitude to the Prime Minister, highlighted the impact of the road construction on their lives. Shiv Kumar mentioned the challenges they faced in the absence of proper roads, especially during emergencies, and how the new roads have eased access to essential services like hospitals, while also dispelling the fear of Naxalites due to improved connectivity.
Another villager emphasized the convenience brought by the new road, contrasting the previous struggles on narrow footpaths with the current ease of commuting. The sentiment was echoed by a young villager, Chetan, who noted the drastic improvement in accessibility to their village, attributing it to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiatives.
According to District Collector Tulika Prajapati, the ongoing construction of roads, bridges, and culverts in the district is set to boost development and connectivity in rural areas significantly. The allocation of funds for the renovation of roads in the upcoming fiscal year underscores the commitment to enhancing infrastructure and connectivity in the region.
