CREDA and district administration bring television access to 21 tribal families in a remote, Naxal-affected village
Published on: November 04, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Raipur, India
A new chapter of development has begun in the remote tribal village of Lava, located in the Kuakonda development block of Dantewada district, South Bastar. For the first time, residents of the village have access to a television screen within their village, following the installation of a Community Solar TV by the Chhattisgarh State Renewable Energy Development Agency (CREDA), with the support of the district administration.
Home to just 21 families, Lava is a remote and geographically isolated village surrounded by dense forests and the hills of the Bailadila range. The installation marks an important step in connecting its residents with information, education and entertainment through solar-powered technology.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai welcomed the initiative and said that bringing development, education and modern technology to remote villages at the farthest reaches of Bastar remains a top priority of the state government.
He said the installation of a community solar television in Lava reflects efforts to extend development beyond areas affected by Naxalism and reach tribal communities. He added that access to news and educational programmes would give children and villagers greater exposure to the outside world and new opportunities to expand their aspirations.
Difficult Terrain and Lack of Basic Connectivity
Situated behind the high hills of Bailadila and surrounded by dense forests, Lava remains geographically isolated. The village is approximately eight kilometres from the main NMDC iron ore mining area in Kirandul. However, there is still no paved road connecting it to the outside.
Residents have to walk several miles along hilly and rocky paths even to collect rice from the Public Distribution System (PDS) ration shop. The difficult terrain has long posed challenges for access to basic facilities.
Decades Under the Shadow of Naxalism
The Lava village and the surrounding Purengal region remained severely affected by Naxalism for decades. According to the information provided, dense forests and difficult routes had helped Maoist groups establish a strong presence in the area.
For years, administrative officials and public representatives found it difficult to reach the village. Security concerns kept the community largely disconnected from modern facilities, while access to basic infrastructure remained a major challenge.
Security Efforts Bring a Changing Situation
Continuous operations and alertness by security forces have significantly reduced the influence of Naxalism in the region. An atmosphere of change is now emerging in areas that once faced fear and insecurity.
Recently, the district collector and public representatives visited the village and interacted with residents during a community meeting. The improved security and confidence in the area have enabled the administration to take development initiatives directly to the people.
Community Solar TV to Connect Villagers with the Outside World
As Lava is located far from the conventional electricity grid, the district administration and CREDA adopted solar energy to provide television access. The community solar television is expected to bring several benefits to the village.
Access to News and Government Information
Through the television facility, residents will be able to follow developments in Chhattisgarh, across India and around the world. They will also have access to information about government schemes, agricultural techniques and health-related programmes.
Educational Opportunities for Children
Children in the village will be able to watch educational and informative programmes along with entertainment content. This is expected to broaden their understanding and general knowledge while offering them a new way of learning through visual content.
Entertainment and Community Interaction
The shared television facility will provide an opportunity for families from all 21 households to gather at one place and watch programmes together. It is also expected to strengthen interaction among villagers.
After a day of hard work in agriculture and the collection of forest produce, residents will have access to a shared source of entertainment.
Solar Energy Offers an Independent Power Source
Since the village is located far from conventional electricity lines, the solar-powered television provides an alternative energy-based facility. The system is designed to operate using solar panels and is an environmentally friendly option for the remote settlement.
A New Link to Information and Development
The installation of the Community Solar TV represents an effort to connect Lava with information, education and modern communication facilities. The initiative by CREDA and the district administration highlights the importance of reaching remote communities with development facilities.
For the 21 families of Lava, the television screen is more than a source of entertainment: it offers a new window to the wider world after decades of geographical isolation and security challenges.
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