‘Give us helicopters, if not roads’: Chhattisgarh villagers write to Amit Shah

In an unusual but desperate appeal, residents of a tribal village in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district have urged the government to provide helicopters if it cannot provide proper roads.

Villagers from Maruki village have written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, drawing attention to the poor condition of roads in and around the area and expressing frustration over what they describe as years of official apathy.

According to residents, the road connecting Maruki village has remained incomplete for nearly a decade. They alleged that contractors had dug large pits and initiated the construction of bridges and culverts but abandoned the project midway, leaving stretches of damaged roads filled with gravel, potholes, and broken surfaces.

The issue has gained traction on social media, with many users highlighting the lack of basic infrastructure in remote tribal regions despite repeated assurances from authorities.

Growing anger and helplessness

In their letter, villagers said that if the administration is unable to construct a proper road, it should at least arrange for helicopters to help residents travel during emergencies.

Though symbolic, the demand reflects growing anger and helplessness among villagers who say they remain virtually cut off, particularly during the monsoon season.

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Residents said medical emergencies become especially difficult during heavy rains. Pregnant women, elderly persons, and critically-ill patients are often carried on traditional cots for several kms before they can access the main road and find transport to Gadiras hospital.

‘Road under construction for 10 years’

Another villager, identified as Suka, said the road has been under construction for 10 years without completion.

“During the rainy season, if someone falls ill, the river ghat is our only recourse,” he said.

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“We have submitted applications at every doorstep — from junior-level officials to the Collector. Every time, we receive only assurances, but no work is carried out on the ground,” the village sarpanch said.

Questions over development claims

Villagers also questioned the gap between official claims of development and the reality in remote tribal areas. Authorities had earlier attributed delays in infrastructure projects to Naxalite activity.

However, with the government repeatedly asserting that Chhattisgarh is largely free from Naxal influence, residents said there is now no justification for the continued lack of road connectivity.

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The villagers said they hope their unusual appeal will finally compel the administration to complete the long-pending project and improve access to essential services.