Following the end of Naxalism in Balaghat district, the state government and district administration have initiated comprehensive efforts to bring Naxal-affected villages into the mainstream of development. Under the directions of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, an action plan is being prepared for the holistic development of 100 identified villages, with a focus on expanding basic amenities and creating livelihood opportunities through education, healthcare, agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries and forest produce-based activities.
On August 29, 2026, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav visited areas of Balaghat district with a significant Baiga tribal population that were previously affected by Naxalism and interacted with members of the Baiga Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG). During the visit, he announced the approval of ₹225 crore for the comprehensive development of 100 villages in these areas. The initiative aims to accelerate development in villages affected by Naxalism for a long period, provide residents with basic amenities and create sustainable employment and livelihood opportunities for local youth and families.
To implement Chief Minister Dr. Yadav’s announcement, the Balaghat district administration has initiated the preparation of an action plan for the 100 identified villages. An assessment is underway to identify existing facilities, development needs and issues faced by residents. Officials from various departments have been directed to visit the villages, interact with residents and prepare development proposals based on local requirements. In addition to the allocation of ₹225 crore, development works will also be undertaken using funds from the respective departmental budgets.
Priority to Expansion of Basic Amenities
The development action plan for the identified villages prioritises the expansion of essential facilities, including roads, irrigation, healthcare, drinking water, electricity and education. Assessments are being conducted to improve connectivity in rural areas, increase irrigation availability for agriculture, address drinking water shortages, and strengthen healthcare and educational facilities. Efforts are also being made to develop employment-generating activities to strengthen the economic condition of rural households. The administration is exploring opportunities to promote agriculture and horticulture, encourage animal husbandry and fisheries, and develop forest produce-based livelihoods. These activities aim to create more local employment opportunities and increase rural incomes.
100 Villages Divided into Clusters; Responsibilities Assigned
The district administration has divided the 100 identified villages into separate clusters. Officials from all concerned departments have been assigned the responsibility of visiting these villages, interacting with residents and assessing requirements related to their respective departments. Officials have been directed to complete visits to all identified villages within 14 days, consult residents and prepare proposals for the necessary development works. During these visits, teams are assessing the status of existing basic amenities, local needs and potential livelihood opportunities. This process will help determine development priorities according to the specific requirements of each village.
Departmental Teams Visit 15 Villages on October 26
On October 26, teams of officials from various departments visited 15 villages across five development blocks of the district and interacted with residents. The teams assessed local requirements, gathered information about problems relating to basic amenities and discussed livelihood opportunities in agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, forest produce and fisheries. The teams visited Kattipar, Satona, Bargud and Deverbeli villages in Lanji block; Dadekasa, Bilalkasa and Songudda villages in Birsa block; and Lud, Hirri, Bharri, Sonpuri and Bithli villages in Baihar block. They also visited Chalisbodi and Mohanpur villages in Paraswada block, and Sitapar and Borvan villages in Kirnapur block. During the visits, officials interacted with residents to understand local requirements and gathered information to facilitate development works and employment-oriented activities through the concerned departments.
Development Proposals to Be Prepared According to Local Needs
Based on the information gathered during village visits, the concerned departments will prepare proposals for development works within their respective areas of responsibility. These proposals will include initiatives to expand basic amenities, ensure that residents benefit from various government schemes and strengthen local livelihood opportunities.
