Give us helicopter, if not roads: Chhattisgarh villagers' unusual plea to Amit Shah
The letter from residents of Maruki village has sparked widespread attention online, underscoring years of anger over poor infrastructure, incomplete road construction and alleged administrative indifference despite repeated promises.
Give us helicopters, if you can’t give us roads – is the unusual request residents of a tribal village in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district have raised as they have written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, seeking to draw his attention to the pathetic condition of roads in and around the area.
The appeal from villagers of Maruki village has drawn attention on social media, highlighting years of frustration over poor infrastructure, unfinished roadwork and what residents describe as continued administrative apathy despite repeated assurances.
According to villagers, the road connecting Maruki has remained incomplete for nearly 10 years. They alleged that contractors dug large pits and began construction work for bridges and culverts but abandoned the project midway, leaving behind damaged stretches filled with gravel and potholes.
Residents say the poor condition of the road has effectively cut off the village, especially during the monsoon season.
In their letter to the Home Minister, the villagers said that if the administration cannot provide a proper road, it should at least provide a helicopter, so residents can travel during emergencies.
The demand, though symbolic, reflects mounting anger among villagers over the lack of basic civic infrastructure.
The situation becomes particularly severe during medical emergencies. Villagers said pregnant women, elderly residents and critically ill patients are often carried on traditional cots for several kilometres to reach the main road.
Only then can they hope to find an ambulance or transport to Gadiras hospital.
“We have submitted applications at every doorstep—from junior-level district officials all the way up to the Collector. Every time, we receive nothing but assurances, yet no actual work is undertaken on the ground. There is no one willing to listen to our grievances,” the village sarpanch said.
Another villager, identified as Suka, said, "The village road has been under construction for ten years but remains unfinished to this day. During the rainy season, if someone falls ill, the river ghat is our only recourse".
Villagers also pointed to the gap between official claims of development and the ground reality in remote tribal regions.
They noted that authorities earlier cited Naxalite activity as a reason for stalled projects.
However, with the government repeatedly declaring that Chhattisgarh is now largely free from Naxalism, residents question why basic infrastructure and road connectivity are still absent in their village.
The villagers said they are now hoping their unusual appeal will finally push the administration to complete the long-pending road project and improve access to essential services.
Give us helicopters, if you can’t give us roads – is the unusual request residents of a tribal village in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district have raised as they have written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, seeking to draw his attention to the pathetic condition of roads in and around the area.
The appeal from villagers of Maruki village has drawn attention on social media, highlighting years of frustration over poor infrastructure, unfinished roadwork and what residents describe as continued administrative apathy despite repeated assurances.
According to villagers, the road connecting Maruki has remained incomplete for nearly 10 years. They alleged that contractors dug large pits and began construction work for bridges and culverts but abandoned the project midway, leaving behind damaged stretches filled with gravel and potholes.
Residents say the poor condition of the road has effectively cut off the village, especially during the monsoon season.
In their letter to the Home Minister, the villagers said that if the administration cannot provide a proper road, it should at least provide a helicopter, so residents can travel during emergencies.
The demand, though symbolic, reflects mounting anger among villagers over the lack of basic civic infrastructure.
The situation becomes particularly severe during medical emergencies. Villagers said pregnant women, elderly residents and critically ill patients are often carried on traditional cots for several kilometres to reach the main road.
Only then can they hope to find an ambulance or transport to Gadiras hospital.
“We have submitted applications at every doorstep—from junior-level district officials all the way up to the Collector. Every time, we receive nothing but assurances, yet no actual work is undertaken on the ground. There is no one willing to listen to our grievances,” the village sarpanch said.
Another villager, identified as Suka, said, "The village road has been under construction for ten years but remains unfinished to this day. During the rainy season, if someone falls ill, the river ghat is our only recourse".
Villagers also pointed to the gap between official claims of development and the ground reality in remote tribal regions.
They noted that authorities earlier cited Naxalite activity as a reason for stalled projects.
However, with the government repeatedly declaring that Chhattisgarh is now largely free from Naxalism, residents question why basic infrastructure and road connectivity are still absent in their village.
The villagers said they are now hoping their unusual appeal will finally push the administration to complete the long-pending road project and improve access to essential services.
