Light at the end of decades: Electricity reaches 17 villages

Raipur: Seventeen forest villages in Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki district received electricity for the first time.

A state govt spokesperson made the announcement and this development under the chief minister majratola electrification scheme has brought much-needed hope to the residents, officials said.

The electrification of remote villages such as Katuljhora, Kattapar, Bodra, Bukmarka, Sambalpur, Gattegahan, Pugda, Amakodo, Pitemeta, Tatekasa, Kundalkal, Raymanhora, Nainguda, Metatodke, Kohkatola, Edasmeta, and Kunjkanhar was completed at a cost of Rs 3 crore. Officials highlighted the significant challenges involved in reaching these areas, citing difficult terrain, dense forests, and the presence of Naxals.

Previously, 540 families in these villages relied on solar energy and lanterns. Many solar installations were either stolen or non-functional, leaving the villagers in darkness. So far, 275 families have been provided with electricity connections, and work on connecting the remaining households is in progress. Villagers expressed joy when electric lights first illuminated their homes in villages.

Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited (CSPDCL) executive director Shirish Selat operationalised the 25 kVA transformer in Tatekasa village. The project involved laying a 45 km long 11 kV line, installing 87 low-tension poles, and setting up 17 transformers. Selat said that obtaining the NOC from the forest department and transporting equipment to these remote locations posed significant hurdles.

He credited the efforts of the technical team for the completion of the task.