Subhash Mahajan
Chamba
Decades after India’s Independence, the villagers of Suila in Junas panchayat under Churah Assembly constituency (Chamba, Himachal Pradesh) continue to live without basic road connectivity. Frustrated with years of neglect, locals have now warned that they will boycott coming panchayat and even Assembly elections unless the government ensures a road to their remote village.
Despite the state government highlighting its development achievements in Mandi after completing three years in office, Suila and nearby villages such as Laderu, Lutiyas, Sukhdu and Palnoti remain isolated from mainstream development. The lack of a motorable road has made life in these villages extremely challenging.
The absence of proper road infrastructure has had a severe impact on healthcare. In emergencies, patients must be carried on makeshift stretchers over long, treacherous mountain paths to reach the nearest road.
Locals have purchased a stretcher at their own expense, but several people, particularly pregnant women, have lost their lives before getting medical care. Anganwadi worker Devo Devi said, “Pregnant women often have to walk 3 km to the health centre for vaccination. During heavy snowfall, many are completely deprived of health services.”
Education compromised too
Suila has only a primary school. For higher education, children must walk several kilometers daily. The long and dangerous journey often means returning home after dark, with the threat of wild animals. As a result, many girls are forced to discontinue their education after Class 10, limiting their future opportunities.
The region experiences heavy snowfall, cutting the village off from the outside world for months. During this time, no health or administrative services reach the village, leaving residents dependent entirely on themselves.
Residents launch protest
Frustrated by continuous neglect, villagers have started a signature campaign to demand a road. More than 100 residents, including Sohan Lal, Tekchand, Beliram, Parsaram, Lobhi Ram, Rajni, Kishan Chand, Madhubala, Ganesh, Hum Dei and Satya, have warned that unless road construction begins soon, they will boycott panchayat, assembly, and Lok Sabha elections.
School students also highlighted the dangers of reaching their schools on foot daily. Locals are appealing to the government to connect Suila with a proper road to ensure access to healthcare, education and safety. Residents have pledged to intensify their movement if their demands continue to go unheard.
