Residents of 40–50 Villages Forced to Repair Road Themselves Every Year; Threaten Mass Protest if Demand Ignored
Published on: October 29, 2025
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
A longstanding demand for the construction of a mere 1,300-meter road has once again brought villagers to the doors of the district administration. Residents from nearly 40 to 50 villages in Chhuria development block submitted a memorandum to the Collector, urging for the immediate construction of the road connecting Khora Tola (Garrapar Panchayat) to Chouki Tola in Chouki development block.
Villagers alleged that for the past 15 to 20 years they have been requesting the road’s construction, yet neither administrative authorities nor elected representatives have taken decisive action. During the rainy season, the road turns muddy and nearly impassable, posing severe problems for school children, patients, and farmers.
The villagers stated that they have been repairing the route through shramdaan (voluntary labour) every year just to keep it usable. “We fill the potholes ourselves every year. But no official or leader takes steps to fix it permanently,” said one villager.
Also read- https://www.btnewsindia.com/दो-राज्यों-की-वोटर-लिस्ट-म/ https://www.btnewsindia.com/सोशल-मीडिया-की-दुनिया-में/
The delegation mentioned that they have repeatedly raised the issue with MP Santosh Pandey, MLA Bholaram Sahu, and Mayor Madhusudan Yadav, even requesting inclusion of the roadwork proposal in the budget session. However, no concrete action has been taken so far.
Frustration among locals is rising. Villagers warned that if the road is not sanctioned soon, they will mobilize thousands and stage a mass road blockade demonstration on the main route of Banda Bazar.
The delegation present during the Jan Darshan meeting included Janpad Members Balmukund Kunjam and Omprakash, Garrapar Sarpanch Ajay Sahu, former Janpad Member Hirendra Sahu, and several other community representatives.
The villagers have demanded that the Public Works Department include the road in the upcoming budget and begin blacktopping work at the earliest to provide a permanent solution to the long-pending issue.
