Korea 02 -01-2025: This story of electricity reaching the remote villages of Korea district of Chhattisgarh is not just about technological development, but is a symbol of the victory of patience, struggle and hope. This is an occasion that has brought a revolutionary change in the lives of the people of these villages.
A journey from darkness to light
After the country got independence in 1947, the Ganga of development started flowing in every corner of the country. But villages like Tarra, Baser and Mendra of Korea district took 77 years to wait for this Ganga. When electricity poles were installed in these villages in 1997-98, the villagers thought that now their lives would also be illuminated. But for years there was no current in the wires. During this time, the people of the village lived with the help of solar energy or kerosene lamps.
Mukhyamantri Majratola Vidyutkaran Yojana: A New Beginning
Chhattisgarh State Electricity Distribution Company took the initiative to illuminate these villages under the Mukhyamantri Majratola Vidyutkaran Yojana. In village Tara, 12 km 11 kV and 9 km LT line was laid at a cost of Rs 55 lakh. 3 transformers were installed and 88 houses got electricity connection. In village Baser, 8 km 11 kV and 6 km LT line was extended at a cost of Rs 1.08 crore. 7 transformers were installed and electricity reached 230 houses. In village Mendra, 9 km 11 kV and 6 km LT line was laid at a cost of Rs 54 lakh. 2 transformers were installed and electricity supply started in 64 houses.
A new ray of change for the villagers
After electricity reached the villages, not only the nights were illuminated, but the direction of life also changed. Sukhmati, a student of village Baser, said, “Now I can study till late at night. Electricity has made my studies easier.” Sukhmati’s mother Shanti Bai expressed happiness and said, “Now we will buy a fan in summer. Life will become easier and more comfortable than before.” Electricity has also increased the possibilities of starting small businesses in villages. Electricity will not only bring light to homes, but will also provide employment and means of income.
Now the next target is 4G towers
District Collector Chandan Tripathi said, “Electricity has reached these villages only due to proper planning.” He said, “We conducted an intensive survey of the routes, roads were built and after seeking help from the forest department, electricity poles were installed and electricity was provided to the villages. Initially things were difficult because it was a dense forest and remote area.” There was no approach road either, but it has been possible due to the willpower of the people and the cooperation of various sections of the society. Mrs. Tripathi said that the next goal is to get them 4G BSNL mobile network.” She informed that Chhattisgarh State Electricity Distribution Company has taken up the task of lighting up these villages under the Chief Minister Majratola Electrification Scheme. The Collector said that work is going on to provide electricity to those villages, para-mohallas where electricity has not reached. Certainly, these villagers have got freedom from darkness due to electricity connection in their homes.
Story of struggle and hope
Nahar Singh, Sarpanch of Gram Panchayat Baser, said that when the poles were installed in 1997-98, the villagers had many dreams. But due to lack of electricity, those dreams were covered in darkness. However, there was some relief due to electricity reaching these villages through solar panels. The Sarpanch said that after continuous demand and effort from the administration, finally electricity 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 of 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, which has brought light and new possibilities in their lives.
