After 77 years of independence, Teemenar village gets electricity

RAIPUR: Another remote village of insurgency-hit Bijapur district in Bastar received electricity for the first time after 77 years of India's independence. Overshadowed by Maoist violence up until this point, this village may now begin to move towards a new spotlight of development in the region. The Teemenar village in Bijapur district was electrified as 100% of its 53 households recieved electricity under the chief minister's Majra-Tola electrification scheme.Teemenar is an extension of Bechapal Gram Panchayat in Bhairamgarh block, which never saw electricity and for generations, the villagers lived without the basic conveniences that most of the country takes for granted. However, with Maoists being pushed to the brink in the state, officials said steadfast development, vital public welfare initiatives are finally reaching these remote areas, integrating them into the broader framework of Indian society. Local residents were quick to affirm that the arrival of electricity has not only lifted the atmosphere of fear and insecurity but has also significantly enhanced their quality of life.Villagers Mashram, Pandru Kunjam, Mangli, and Pramila spoke with joy about the changes electrification has brought to their lives: "For the first time, our village has electricity today. We no longer fear the darkness of night, and we are free from the threats of wild animals, snakes, and scorpions. Our children can now study easily, and we finally feel part of the path to development," they shared.Officials said that the electrification at Teemenar is just the beginning of broader infrastructure development in the village as the next focus will be on strengthening roads networks, healthcare, and education. Expressing his joy on the move, Chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai said, "Where once there was the shadow of Maoist terror, today the rays of development shine. This transformation is the true victory. The electrification of Teemenar signals the beginning of a new era of governance and growth in the remote regions of Bastar. This region is now moving toward prosperity and progress, free from the fear of Maoist violence."