This story of electricity reaching the remote villages of Korea district in Chhattisgarh is not just about technological development, but also symbolizes the victory of patience, struggle, and hope. It is an occasion that has brought about a revolutionary change in the lives of the people of these villages.
A Journey from Darkness to Light
After India gained independence in 1947, the river of development began to flow throughout the country. But villages like Tarra, Baser, and Mendhra in Korea district had to wait 77 years for this river. In 1997-98, when electricity poles were erected in these villages, the villagers thought their lives would be illuminated. But for years, no current flowed through the wires. During this time, the villagers lived with the help of solar energy or kerosene lamps.
Chief Minister Majratola Electrification Scheme: A New Beginning
The Chhattisgarh State Electricity Distribution Company took up the task of illuminating these villages under the Chief Minister Majratola Electrification Scheme. In Gram Tarra, a 12 km 11 KV and 9 km LT line was laid at a cost of 55 lakh rupees. 3 transformers were installed and 88 houses received electricity connections. In Gram Baser, an 8 km 11 KV and 6 km LT line was extended at a cost of 1.08 crore rupees. 7 transformers were installed and electricity reached 230 houses. In Gram Mendhra, a 9 km 11 KV and 6 km LT line was laid at a cost of 54 lakh rupees. 2 transformers were installed and electricity supply started in 64 houses.
A New Ray of Change for Villagers
After electricity reached the villages, not only did the nights become brighter, but the direction of life also changed. Sukhmatiya, a student from Gram Baser, said, “Now I can study late at night. Electricity has made my studies easier.” Shanti Bai, Sukhmatiya’s mother, expressed her happiness, saying, “Now we will buy a fan in the summer. Life will become easier and more comfortable.” Electricity has also increased the possibilities of starting small businesses in the villages. The arrival of electricity has brought not only light to the homes but also means of employment and income.
The Next Goal: 4G Tower
The district collector, Chandan Tripathi, said, “It is only because of the right schemes that electricity has reached these villages.” He said, “We conducted a thorough survey of the routes, roads were built, and with the help of the forest department, electricity poles were erected and electricity was supplied to the villages. Initially, things were difficult because it was a dense forest and a remote area.” There was no approach road, but it was possible because of the willpower of the people and the cooperation of various sections of society. Ms. Tripathi said that the next goal is to provide them with a 4G BSNL mobile network. He explained that the Chhattisgarh State Electricity Distribution Company has undertaken the task of illuminating these villages under the Chief Minister Majratola Electrification Scheme. The Collector said that work is underway to quickly provide electricity to the villages and para-mohallas where electricity has not yet reached. Certainly, the electricity connections in these villagers’ homes have freed them from darkness.
A Story of Struggle and Hope
Nahar Singh, the Sarpanch of Gram Panchayat Baser, said that when the poles were erected in 1997-98, the villagers had many dreams. But due to the lack of electricity, darkness fell upon those dreams. However, the arrival of electricity through solar panels in these villages provided some relief. The Sarpanch said that after continuous demands and efforts from the administration, electricity finally reached these villages in 2024. The arrival of electricity in the villages is not just the arrival of light, but it is a sign of opening new doors to education, health, employment, and social progress. The arrival of electricity after 77 years of independence is a new wave of development. This is a new beginning for the villages, bringing light and new possibilities to their lives.