Dantewada collector treks 8km through forests to reach remote villages for first time
For the first time since Independence, administration reaches Palodi and Bhirsapara; collector sits under a tamarind tree to hear grievances of tribal villagers.
DANTEWADA: Breaking decades of administrative isolation, Dantewada collector Devesh Kumar Dhruv trekked 6-8 km through dense forests and rugged terrains to reach the remote villages of Palodi and Bhirsapara in the Geedam block on Thursday.
These villages, once considered a stronghold of Naxal activity, saw a district official for the first time, marking a significant shift in the administration’s outreach policy. In a gesture that resonated with the local tribal community, the collector skipped a formal meeting and instead sat under the shade of a tamarind tree to listen to their problems.
During the in
teraction, the collector took stock of basic amenities, including water supply, ration availability, healthcare, and education. He specifically reviewed the nutritional status of children at the local Anganwadi center and ensured that the vaccination drive for pregnant women was on track.
Gumalnar village sarpanch Malti Istami highlighted the recurring issue of road connectivity being disrupted during the monsoon due to the overflowing Indravati river. Addressing the concern, the collector assured the villagers of a permanent solution.
“It is the first time a collector has come to our doorstep,” said a local resident. The visit has bolstered the villagers’ confidence in the government, signaling a new chapter in the district’s efforts to integrate its most inaccessible regions into the mainstream.
