Chamba Village Residents Demand Road Connectivity or Face Election Boycott
Villagers in Suila Demand Basic Road Access
Subhash Mahajan
Chamba
Despite India achieving independence decades ago, the residents of Suila in the Junas panchayat of the Churah Assembly constituency in Himachal Pradesh are still without essential road access. Frustrated by years of neglect, the community has declared their intention to boycott the upcoming panchayat and Assembly elections unless the government provides a road to their isolated village.
While the state government has been promoting its development successes in Mandi after three years in power, Suila and neighboring villages like Laderu, Lutiyas, Sukhdu, and Palnoti remain cut off from significant development. The absence of a motorable road has created severe challenges for daily life in these areas.
The lack of adequate road infrastructure has critically affected healthcare services. In emergencies, patients are often transported on makeshift stretchers over perilous mountain paths to reach the nearest road.
Although locals have invested in a stretcher, many individuals, especially pregnant women, have tragically lost their lives before receiving medical attention. Anganwadi worker Devo Devi noted, “Pregnant women frequently have to trek 3 km to the health center for vaccinations. Heavy snowfall often leaves them without access to health services.”
Educational Challenges Faced by Children
Education Compromised
Suila only has a primary school, forcing children to walk several kilometers for higher education. This long and hazardous journey often results in them returning home after dark, facing the risk of wild animals. Consequently, many girls are compelled to drop out after Class 10, severely limiting their future prospects.
The region is prone to heavy snowfall, isolating the village for months at a time. During these periods, no health or administrative services are available, leaving residents to fend for themselves.
Community Protests for Road Access
Residents Launch Protest
In response to ongoing neglect, villagers have initiated a signature campaign demanding road construction. Over 100 residents, including Sohan Lal, Tekchand, Beliram, Parsaram, Lobhi Ram, Rajni, Kishan Chand, Madhubala, Ganesh, Hum Dei, and Satya, have warned that they will boycott panchayat, assembly, and Lok Sabha elections if road construction does not commence soon.
Students have also raised concerns about the dangers of their daily walks to school. The community is urging the government to establish a proper road to Suila to ensure access to healthcare, education, and safety. Residents have vowed to escalate their protests if their demands remain unaddressed.