Until recently, more than 100 inhabitants of Nelangur, a remote village nestled within the Abujhmad forests of Chhattisgarh, relied solely on local water streams and often experienced severe shortages, particularly during the summer months. This situation improved last week when the government implemented the Jal Jeevan Mission, providing residents with direct tap water connections in their homes.
Nelangur is situated in a challenging hilly region approximately 52 kilometers from the Narayanpur district headquarters and around 8 kilometers from Kuwakodi village in Maharashtra’s Bhamragad taluka.
In April of last year, security forces established a police camp in the area, addressing security concerns and diminishing the influence of Naxal groups. The region, historically regarded as a Maoist stronghold since the 1980s, saw significant reductions in such influences only last year.
The village is home to 115 individuals from 35 families. While surrounding villages continue to rely on streams for their water supply, the families in Nelangur can now rejoice, as they no longer have to travel great distances for water.
Narayanpur Collector Namrata Jain confirmed the new water supply system, stating, “Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, we have installed a water supply system in the village. Using a solar pump, water is extracted from a nearby source and delivered directly to homes via pipelines. Every family now has access to this supply, which has reduced reliance on electricity and ensured a consistent flow of water. The women no longer need to trek long distances to collect water, simplifying daily routines and enhancing hygiene awareness.”
Currently, the village lacks an electricity supply and mobile network, although plans are in motion to introduce power soon. An official noted, “Construction of National Highway 130D commenced last year and is progressing. Once completed, it will stimulate economic growth in the village.”
For medical needs, residents travel 3 kilometers to a healthcare center in Padamkot. An anganwadi has been established, and a new concrete school building is in the process of being constructed.
Jayprakash S Naidu serves as the Principal Correspondent for The Indian Express and is the state correspondent for Chhattisgarh. With a robust background in frontline journalism, he covers the political, security, and humanitarian issues in Central India.
His expertise includes specialized conflict reporting, particularly on the Maoist/Naxalite conflict in the Bastar region, providing valuable insights into:
- Internal Security: Monitoring high-stakes encounters, surrender initiatives for senior Maoist leaders, and the creation of security camps in previously inaccessible villages.
- Tribal Rights & Displacement: Investigating the challenges faced by displaced tribal communities fleeing conflict zones.
- Governance & Bureaucratic Analysis: Observing Chhattisgarh’s evolution as it marks its 25th year of statehood, including electoral politics and public policy developments.
Before focusing on Chhattisgarh, Jayprakash reported from Maharashtra, where he specialized in crisis management and legal rights, including notable coverage of the Cyclone Tauktae barge tragedy and the COVID-19 pandemic’s effects on frontline workers. His investigative work also highlights environmental and social justice issues, such as the protests in the Hasdeo Aranya forests and the approval of significant tiger reserves, emphasizing the conflict between industrial mining and environmental conservation.
