MALKANGIRI:Kalimela block of Malkangiri district is witnessing a rapid change. The once stronghold of Maoists is turning into a commercial hub transforming lives of villagers.
The businessmen of Kalimela, who had deserted the area fearing Left Wing Extremists, are gradually returning to their hometown and setting up stores. They had settled in Malkangiri town as the Maoists held sway in all the seven blocks of the district for several decades. However, in the past three years, constant combing operation by the security agencies has pushed the rebels on the back-foot. Located about 45 km from district headquarters town, Kalimela and its adjacent areas are dominated by Bengali settlers, while tribals live in some inaccessible pockets.
The opening of newly-constructed Dornapal bridge by Chhattisgarh Government has come as an advantage for the businessmen here. The bridge connects Dornapal town in Chhattisgarh with Podia block headquarters town here. Besides, good road connectivity from Dornapal to Kalimela has opened new opportunities for the traders here who usually depended on Raipur and Jagdalpur to buy goods.
The waves of change have brought about a new hope among the people.
New Development
Good road connectivity from Dornapal to Kalimela town has opened new opportunities for
the traders
Businessmen of Kalimela, who had deserted the area fearing Left Wing Extremists, are returning to their hometown
Constant combing operation by security agencies has pushed rebels on the back-foot