This is a victory of democracy in a Naxalite stronghold, a result of the Chhattisgarh government’s and collective efforts.
Raipur, / Healthcare facilities have been restored in Potali village, Aranpur-Jagargunda area, Dantewada district, Chhattisgarh, after nearly 19 years. Villagers in Potali now have access to healthcare in their own village. MLA Shri Chaitram Atami inaugurated the fully equipped sub-health center (Ayushman Arogya Mandir), renovated through a special initiative by the government and administration. The Dantewada Collector and SP, along with a large number of villagers, were present during the inauguration.
Potali Gram Panchayat is located in the Aranpur-Jagargunda area of Dantewada district. This has been a heavily Naxal-affected area. Due to the success of the Chhattisgarh government’s Naxal eradication campaign, peace and development have begun to flourish here, resulting in rapid expansion of basic amenities such as healthcare, education, and roads.
The Potali sub-health center was constructed by NMDC in 2004-05. Shortly after its construction, it was completely shut down due to Naxalite violence and the Salwa Judum movement, becoming dilapidated. Naxalites had written threatening messages on the building’s walls, warning against its use, rendering the sub-health center unusable.
Villagers of Potali had to walk to the primary health centers in Aranpur or Sameli for healthcare services. Often, they had to walk miles for even basic medicines. This situation was extremely difficult and frustrating for the villagers. Considering the demands of the villagers and the initiative of local representatives, the government and administration undertook its renovation, repainting, and ensured the availability of healthcare facilities. Villagers report that during the health center’s renovation, a bomb blast near Aranpur in April 2023, which killed 10 security personnel, instilled fear in the area, causing contractors and laborers to stop work out of fear for their safety. The government and administration, by reassuring the villagers, restarted the work. However, in April 2024, a local representative who was actively working for the restoration of healthcare facilities in Potali was murdered by Naxalites.
Despite all these obstacles, the work to revive the Potali health center did not stop. Through the tireless efforts of the district administration, the health department, and the villagers, the work was finally completed, and the Potali health center was dedicated to the people. The Chhattisgarh government’s Niyeda Nella Nar Yojana also played a significant role in restoring healthcare services in Potali. This health center also has a six-bed ward, and for its successful operation, a community health officer, a rural health coordinator, and a team of 26 Mitanin are present.
Villagers are overjoyed with the opening of the health center in Potali. Gram Panchayat Sarpanch Lalita Mandavi said that the opening of the fully equipped sub-health center in their village is a good thing. Now, villagers will not have to wander for treatment. Dilip Kumar, a young man from the village, said that the village’s health center was destroyed due to the Naxalites. People here had to go to Aranpur and Sameli for treatment, which is 15 to 18 kilometers away. Now people will get treatment in the village itself. Road and other facilities are also being developed for access to the village.