Munda’s encounter with myths and misunderstanding in Chatra
VIJAY DEO JHA
CHATRA
There are two myths about Chatra district. The first epical myth, that the Goddess Bhadrakali having ancient temple in Itkhori has been protecting the area from ravage all these centuries—both natural and manmade. The second—less epic and more governmental—that Chatra has been the part of the welfare state.
A grand pre-Holi celebration was thrown on Sunday night by former BJP MLA from Chatra as Munda arrived in the very district which he called one of the most challenging and critical in Jharkhand. The very next day banned CPI (Maoist) gave a call for Jharkhand bandh. Chatra which shut downs even at mere rumours or unconfirmed farman of Maoist to bandh seemingly militated the call on Monday, though, its roads bore a deserted look in the morning; overran by blaring flotilla of Chief Minister.
But as his cavalcade passed through Chatra-Itkhori road villages on the flanks started flocking and frolicking in welcome mood asking him to spend few moments with them. They had meticulously planned to use these moments to submit handwritten petitions of their problems and demands. The greater part of Chatra is an area of darkness and poverty, metaphorically and quite literally.
“The important thing to me is that there is an air of expectation. Overwhelmed by their enthusiasm and the way they came out despite call for bandh I decided to spend more time with them,” Munda told The Pioneer on late Monday evening in Girridih Circuit House.
Twice during selected media briefing on Monday morning Munda called Chatra as one of the most challenging areas of Jharkhand in terms of impact of Maoism and scar underdevelopment.
“While I have assigned my ministers to supervise different districts, I personally felt I should look after Chatra. It is one of the critical and challenging districts. It is a big responsibility,” Munda said.
“I wanted to break certain misunderstandings about Chatra that’s why I decided night stay here. I know they are underdeveloped. Development works have been started but it is not up to desired pace. Roads are not good,” Munda said. No sooner have you started to drive along the Balbal-Katkamsandi it deposits you in the ditch, dream shoved into a familiar Jharkhandi nightmare: the rutted road.
District officials have stopped or seldom visit interior areas where a visit is a kind of excursion into a living museum of the 18th century or thereabouts. Prosperity has taken a back seat for the cultivation of poppy as Maoists have captured thousands acres of land in the deep interiors of Lawalong and others that police and administration deny.
An awareness message to eradicate polio painted several monsoons ago in one of the villages in Itkhori, a forlorn foundation stone whose plaque was removed many years back, the poster of Vidya Balan of Dirty Picture film pasted over a MNREGA wage-list; in these parts you can probably understand them for thinking a starlet is more achievable than a daily wage.
“I have come to know that around 19 doctors have been reported absent from their duty. Actions will be taken against them. We need more doctors here. I have sought a detailed report over the requirements,” Munda said.
Block Development Officers of Kunda and Lawalong blocks have now stopped visiting their block office out of naxal fear; they now operate from safer areas Simariya. “That’s why I called Chatra as a critical area. I am serious on these issues. I am not defending anybody,” Munda said.
Chatra consumes less energy because it has less power supply. The ambitious North Karnpura Power project inaugurated by the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2004 in Chatra was short-circuited by the Centre before it could produce even a unit. “Centre first acquired lands and evicted people for the project and now says that power project is not feasible because the site have the deposit of coals. Either central government starts the project or I will lead people’s demonstration in Delhi,” Munda said during inauguration of power grid at Itkhori.
Leave talking about any centre of excellence for education in Chatra — though Munda promised a model college soon — its schools are dilapidated. “It is surprising that despite sanction for the construction of an extra 577 school rooms works have not been started. I am annoyed,” Munda told The Pioneer.
Before leaving to Giridih via road — yet another troubled destination — Munda visited Bhadrakali temple. “I will visit Chatra again to see whether development works and welfare projects have been started or not,” Munda said. That probably will be the third myth of Chatra: that welfare flew after CM visit.
