Bastar, a region renowned for its natural beauty and cultural heritage, has long struggled under the shadow of Maoist violence.

Once-vibrant haat bazaars and thriving village life were silenced as fear gripped the area, stalling development and isolating communities. However, under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, the region is now witnessing a remarkable turnaround through the Niyad Nellanar initiative — “Your Prosperous Village.”

This initiative, aimed at villages within a five-kilometre radius of security camps, is breathing new life into areas long marked by violence. The reopening of schools, markets, and the restoration of essential services are not just rebuilding infrastructure — they are reigniting hope in these remote communities. Villagers who once lived without basic amenities now have access to electricity, clean water, and functional roads.

In Kilepal village of Darbha block, new roads and electrification have revitalised the local economy. Markets, long dormant, are bustling again. “For the first time in years, I feel like the government hasn’t forgotten us,” says Rajeshwari, a resident of Puvarti village in Sukma, where a local ration shop has opened, reducing the need for long, arduous journeys for essentials.

Villages like Koleng are also experiencing the benefits of the Niyad Nellanar initiative. Schools have reopened, Anganbadi centers now provide early education, and mothers like Savita see a brighter future for their children. “I thought my children would never go to school,” she shares, “but now, they have a chance.”

What makes this initiative stand out is its focus not only on physical infrastructure but on restoring dignity and self-reliance. In Nawapara Elmagunda, deep in Sukma district, the installation of DTH services is connecting villagers to the wider world, offering news and educational content for the first time. Mobile towers and solar-powered pumps are improving communication and access to clean water in even the most remote villages.

The transformation of these areas is a testament to the government’s commitment to uplifting Bastar. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has emphasised that the ‘Niyad Nellanar’ initiative is not just about development but about ensuring that no village is left behind. “The goal is to restore normalcy and build a future where every community thrives,” he remarked at a recent press conference.

In Bijapur’s Chikkapalli village, new schools and Anganbadi centers are taking shape, offering the younger generation a path to education and opportunity. Families like that of Dhansingh in Narayanpur’s Orchha block now have stable housing through the Pradhan Mantri and Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana schemes, symbolising a new beginning for many in Bastar.

The people of Bastar are rediscovering their joy, pride, and hope as these once-forgotten villages re-emerge from the shadows of violence. As new roads, schools, and markets rise, so too does the belief that a peaceful and prosperous future is possible for all. Bastar’s story is one of resilience, and with Niyad Nellanar, it is becoming a story of revival.