Daijiworld Media Network – Sukma

Sukma, May 26: Residents of a tribal village in Sukma district have made an unusual appeal to Amit Shah, asking the government to provide helicopters if it cannot build proper roads in the region.

Villagers from Maruki submitted a letter to the Union Home Minister highlighting the poor condition of roads in and around the area, drawing attention on social media and renewing focus on long-pending infrastructure issues in remote tribal regions.

According to residents, the road connecting Maruki village has remained incomplete for nearly a decade. Villagers alleged that contractors had earlier dug large pits and started work on bridges and culverts but abandoned the project midway, leaving damaged stretches filled with gravel and potholes.

Residents said the poor condition of the road has effectively cut off the village, particularly during the monsoon season.

In their appeal, villagers stated that if authorities are unable to provide a proper road, they should at least arrange helicopters so people can travel during emergencies.

Though symbolic, the demand reflects growing frustration among residents over the lack of basic civic infrastructure and repeated delays despite assurances from authorities.

Villagers said medical emergencies become especially difficult during the rainy season, with pregnant women, elderly persons and critically ill patients often being carried on traditional cots for several kilometres before reaching the main road and finding transport to Gadiras hospital.

“We have submitted applications at every level — from junior district officials to the Collector. Every time we only receive assurances, but no actual work is done,” the village sarpanch said.

Another villager identified as Suka said the road project has remained incomplete for ten years.

“During the rainy season, if someone falls ill, the river ghat is our only option,” he said.

Villagers also questioned the gap between official claims of development and the ground reality in tribal areas.

They noted that authorities had earlier cited Naxalite activity as the reason for stalled projects. However, with the government repeatedly claiming that Chhattisgarh is now largely free from Naxalism, residents questioned why basic road connectivity and infrastructure are still absent in their village.

Villagers said they now hope their unusual appeal will finally compel authorities to complete the long-pending road project and improve access to essential services.