India’s first PM JANMAN roads built in Balaghat’s Baiga tribal belt

Jabalpur: India's first three roads under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) programme have been built in the Baiga settlement of Balaghat district, linking villages that once relied on jungle trails.
PM-JANMAN is a programme launched by PM Narendra Modi to improve the socio-economic conditions of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).Baigas are among the PVTGs.
These roads connect more than 20 tribal villages and hamlets within a 30km radius, where approximately 3500 people reside.
Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) assistant manager Vinod Garhwal said that the construction of these roads in Parswala janpad began on March 16, 2024. The length of the Nata to Pandatola road is 4.85km, the Badgaon to Salhe road is 4.5km, and the Pandatola to Bijatola road is 0.8km. Of the three, Pandatola to Bijatola road was the first to be completed.
The process of building two bridges between Nata and Pandatola and Undaitola is ongoing and will commence after the rainy season, he said.
People in this area used to rely on jungle paths, which were not commutable after dusk. Due to the presence of many wild animals on these paths, villagers and hamlet residents were fearful. Children going to secondary and high school, patients, and citizens fetching rations had to use these rough trails.
Now, the roads constructed in these villages will benefit the Baiga tribal hamlets within their range. This will facilitate transportation for the Baiga people living in Dorli, Chaktola, Katalabodi, Tikaria, Kukda, Ururgudda, Baria, Dandaitola, Mohar, Narwadi, and other forested areas.