Naxalism – Bastar Families Return Home as Housing Work Begins
Naxalism – Families displaced by Maoist violence are beginning to return to their native villages in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region as security conditions improve and government-backed housing support reaches affected communities. In Balebeda village of Narayanpur district, residents who once left their homes, farms and belongings behind are now rebuilding permanent houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.
Village Once Deserted by Violence Sees Families Return
Balebeda was long regarded as a Maoist-affected village, where fear and insecurity forced residents to move to Narayanpur town and nearby locations. Many families remained away from their ancestral homes for years, unable to continue farming or maintain their properties.
The situation has changed following the restoration of peace in the area, according to district officials. Several families have returned to Balebeda and begun constructing homes, marking an important step in efforts to revive villages affected by Naxal violence.
Narayanpur Collector Namrata Jain said the administration’s focus is not limited to bringing residents back. The objective, she said, is to restore the village as a functioning community where families can live safely and with dignity.
Housing Scheme Supports Resettlement Efforts
Officials said returning families in villages including Balebeda and Garpa are being provided assistance through the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. The scheme is helping eligible residents build permanent homes in their own villages after years of displacement.
The district administration is also working to restore essential services. A school in Balebeda is being restarted, while approval has been granted for a new school building. Authorities have said they aim to ensure that returning households receive access to government welfare programmes and basic infrastructure.
The resettlement effort is being carried out in line with the development priorities of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, the Collector said.
Residents Describe a New Start in Their Native Village
Rajbati Dadu, a resident of Balebeda, said she was born in the village and later married there, but violence disrupted her family’s life. She said they moved to Narayanpur out of fear and are now using housing assistance to construct a concrete home in their native village.
She said she has received the first two instalments under the housing scheme, allowing construction work to move forward.
Another resident, Sonari, described the house under construction as more than a physical structure. For her family, it represents stability after years of living in a temporary hut where the monsoon season brought repeated hardship.
She said the Collector’s visit to the village gave residents an opportunity to raise concerns about drinking water, electricity and road connectivity. With two instalments received, her family has started building its home and hopes that other services will follow.
Basic Services Remain a Priority for Returning Residents
Raju Ram Dadu said construction has started for several families after the release of the first housing instalment. He said he received Rs 40,000 initially and began work on his house, with completion expected after the remaining instalments are released.
Residents have also highlighted the need for wider development beyond housing. Raju Ram Usendi said the village requires safe drinking water, an Anganwadi centre, a playground, a community hall and stronger education facilities.
He said children currently travel two to three kilometres to attend school, while water shortages remain a concern. Villagers have submitted their requests to district authorities, and some work has already started, including hand pumps, a playground and Panchayat-related development. Residents are hopeful that the remaining facilities will be completed as the village continues its return to normal life.