Gogunda village, perched approximately 650 metres atop a steep hill in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district, has finally received electricity. Specifically, this remote settlement remained under Naxal control for several decades preventing any developmental activities or government presence. Moreover, the village has witnessed electric lights illuminating homes for the first time since India gained independence in 1947. Furthermore, this historic development marks the beginning of a comprehensive social and infrastructural transformation in the isolated region. Additionally, residents who spent their entire lives using kerosene lamps now experience the convenience of electric lighting daily.
Indeed, the arrival of electricity represents far more than just a basic amenity for this long-neglected community. Consequently, Gogunda’s transformation from a Naxal stronghold to a developing village symbolizes hope for numerous similar settlements. Meanwhile, the district administration and security forces continue working together to ensure sustainable development in the area. Therefore, this milestone demonstrates how strategic security interventions can pave the way for inclusive development in conflict zones.
Strategic Security Intervention Changes Everything
The deployment of the Central Reserve Police Force’s 74th Battalion fundamentally transformed Gogunda’s security situation and development prospects. Specifically, the establishment of a Forward Operating Base created a secure environment enabling government officials to access remotely. Moreover, security forces fostered an atmosphere of trust that encouraged villagers to participate in developmental activities without fear. Furthermore, the consistent presence of CRPF personnel deterred Naxal elements who previously controlled the area and prevented progress. Additionally, district police provided continuous security support ensuring safe passage for construction workers and administrative officials visiting regularly.
Indeed, the coordinated effort between CRPF, local police, and district administration proved crucial for initiating developmental work successfully. Consequently, road construction through difficult hilly terrain became possible marking the first motorable access route to Gogunda ever. Meanwhile, villagers gradually gained confidence that government presence would remain permanent and not withdraw after initial efforts. Therefore, the security architecture established around Gogunda created the foundational stability necessary for all subsequent developmental interventions.
Infrastructure Development Transforms Daily Life
Following the establishment of the security camp, Bijapur Collector Amit Kumar initiated comprehensive infrastructure development across multiple sectors simultaneously. Specifically, road construction provided the first-ever vehicular access to a village that remained completely isolated for decades. Moreover, extending electricity lines to such remote and elevated terrain required overcoming significant technical and logistical challenges successfully. Furthermore, construction of good governance complexes began including primary schools, Anganwadi centres, and Public Distribution System shops comprehensively. Additionally, community halls are being built to serve as social gathering spaces for villagers who previously lacked facilities.
Indeed, Kumar explained that all these facilities within the governance complexes would be completed within two months. Consequently, villagers will no longer need to travel to distant cities for basic shopping and essential services anymore. Meanwhile, a small market is being developed within the village responding directly to residents’ expressed demands and needs. Therefore, the integrated approach to development ensures that multiple aspects of village life improve simultaneously rather than piecemeal.
Healthcare and Education Bring Hope
Regular health camps organized by the district administration have addressed basic medical problems that plagued villagers for generations. Specifically, medical professionals now visit Gogunda periodically providing preventive care, treatments, and health education to isolated residents. Moreover, the construction of primary school buildings ensures that children receive formal education without traveling dangerous distances daily. Furthermore, Anganwadi centres will provide early childhood care, nutrition support, and maternal health services to vulnerable populations effectively. Additionally, the availability of electricity in schools enables better learning environments with proper lighting and potential digital education.
Indeed, villagers previously had no access to basic healthcare forcing them to rely on traditional remedies exclusively. Consequently, the integration of healthcare and education infrastructure represents a holistic approach to community development and wellbeing. Meanwhile, teachers and healthcare workers now feel safer serving in Gogunda due to improved security and living conditions. Therefore, these interventions collectively address human development needs that remained unmet throughout India’s seven decades of independence.
Villagers Express Gratitude and Disbelief
Local residents describe the arrival of electricity and other amenities with a mixture of joy, gratitude, and lingering disbelief. Specifically, one elderly villager emotionally recalled living in complete darkness throughout his entire life until the recent transformation.
Moreover, villagers emphasized how the CRPF camp’s establishment directly led to water supply, electricity, and road connectivity simultaneously. Furthermore, residents repeatedly expressed that they never imagined witnessing such dramatic progress during their lifetimes at all. Additionally, women specifically mentioned how electric lighting eases household tasks and allows children to study after sunset effectively.
Indeed, village elders stated that the transformation represents not merely infrastructure but restored dignity and inclusion in society. Consequently, residents expressed deep gratitude toward the district administration, police forces, and CRPF’s 74th Battalion for enabling change. Meanwhile, younger villagers now see opportunities for education, employment, and improved livelihoods that their parents never experienced. Therefore, the psychological and social impact of development extends far beyond material improvements alone for this community.
Administrative Access Enables Good Governance
Additional Superintendent of Police Rohit Shah emphasized that permanent security presence enables consistent administrative oversight and developmental monitoring effectively. Specifically, government officials can now visit Gogunda regularly to implement schemes, resolve grievances, and assess developmental progress firsthand.
Moreover, administrative access allows proper documentation of residents, distribution of welfare benefits, and integration into government systems. Furthermore, the permanent CRPF base ensures that development work continues uninterrupted without fear of Naxal interference disrupting. Additionally, regular coordination between district administration, police, and security forces ensures holistic planning and implementation of developmental initiatives.
Indeed, Shah noted that Gogunda will benefit significantly from administrative and developmental perspectives due to permanent security. Consequently, the village is being integrated into mainstream governance structures through regular monitoring and responsive administration gradually. Meanwhile, officials are documenting best practices from Gogunda’s transformation to replicate in other former Naxal-affected villages systematically. Therefore, this model demonstrates how security and development must proceed together for sustainable transformation in conflict zones.
A New Dawn for Remote Villages
Gogunda’s transformation offers a replicable model for bringing development to India’s most remote and conflict-affected villages across states. Specifically, the coordinated approach involving security forces, district administration, and community participation proves essential for sustainable change. Moreover, the focus on basic amenities like electricity, water, roads, healthcare, and education addresses fundamental human needs comprehensively. Furthermore, building trust with local communities through consistent presence and delivery of promised services ensures long-term cooperation. Additionally, Gogunda’s experience demonstrates that even villages controlled by insurgents for decades can be successfully integrated peacefully.
Indeed, this transformation challenges the notion that remote conflict zones must remain perpetually underdeveloped and disconnected from progress. Consequently, policy makers and administrators are studying Gogunda’s development trajectory to inform strategies for similar villages nationwide. Meanwhile, residents continue expressing amazement at changes that seemed impossible just months ago when Naxals controlled everything. Therefore, Gogunda represents hope that India can finally fulfill its promise of inclusive development reaching every citizen.
