Decades of Darkness End in Irpanar Village; Electrification Brings Hope, Development and Improved Living Standards
Published on: April 26, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Raipur, India
With the gradual decline of Naxal-related challenges, historic transformation is becoming visible across the Bastar region. The extension of electricity to remote villages has reduced darkness and fear, improved living conditions and accelerated development, signalling a safe and prosperous future for Bastar.
Gram Irpanar, located in the Abujhmad region of Naxal-affected Narayanpur district, has lit up for the first time after decades of darkness. The achievement has been made possible under the state government’s Niyad Nella Nar (Your Good Village) scheme, aimed at delivering basic infrastructure to remote and sensitive regions of Bastar. The arrival of electricity has brought immense happiness among villagers, enabling mobile charging, operation of fans and improved safety during nighttime.
A Village Once Lost in Darkness Finds New Identity
Once a village known only by name on maps, Irpanar has now emerged as a symbol of hope. Situated amidst dense forests, steep hills and difficult terrain of Abujhmad, the village remained disconnected from basic amenities for decades.
When electric bulbs lit homes for the first time, villagers experienced not just illumination but a tangible sense of development. Along with Irpanar, other Naxal-affected villages of Bastar division such as Chilkapalli in Bijapur (January 2025) and Teminar (March 2025) have also received electricity in recent times, marking the beginning of a new development chapter under the Niyad Nella Nar scheme.
Challenging Terrain, Determined Execution
Irpanar lies nearly 30 kilometres from Narayanpur district headquarters, but the journey involves rough roads, steep climbs, dense forest routes and stretches requiring travel on foot. Connectivity becomes even more difficult during the monsoon season.
The Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited, Narayanpur division, completed the electrification work on priority. The Executive Engineer and departmental teams worked in mission mode despite extreme geographical challenges.
Development Drive Through Dense Forests
The Narayanpur Collector stated that electrifying Irpanar was not a routine technical task. Transporting poles, wires and equipment required intense physical effort due to inaccessible terrain. In several locations, materials were carried manually with the help of local residents instead of machinery.
The successful completion of line extension, pole installation and household connections within the stipulated timeframe has set an administrative example.
₹56.11 Lakh Project with Generational Impact
The electrification project of Irpanar village was completed at a cost of ₹56.11 lakh. Under the project, families received electricity connections for the first time, symbolising an inclusive development approach ensuring that even the last household receives equal access to progress.
Lighting Up Children’s Dreams
Electricity has opened new opportunities for village children, who can now study at night under proper lighting. Basic facilities such as mobile charging, fans and household appliances will make daily life easier.
In the future, possibilities for digital education, healthcare services, communication facilities and small-scale businesses are expected to grow.
Joy and Emotional Moments Among Villagers
As electric bulbs illuminated homes for the first time, excitement was visible on every face—from children to elderly residents. Many villagers said they had witnessed permanent lighting inside their homes for the first time.
Life that once depended on lanterns, firewood and limited resources is now changing. Villagers expressed gratitude towards the government, administration and electricity department, calling the day historic for the village.
Beginning of Transformation in Abujhmad
In nearby Handawada village of Abujhmad as well, electricity has recently reached households for the first time, marking another milestone in Bastar’s transformation. Similar remote villages are now being prioritised for electricity, roads, drinking water, education, healthcare and livelihood facilities.
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