Pamgarh, Chhattisgarh, India: A nine-hour road blockade led primarily by women from Dongakohraud village ended on Friday after the district administration reached an agreement with protesters on four major demands concerning a road that residents say has remained in poor condition for 15 years.
The demonstration began at around 10:00 a.m. at Ambedkar Chowk in Pamgarh, where hundreds of villagers blocked traffic to demand immediate action on the deteriorating road connecting their village. The protest was supported by local traders, who voluntarily closed their shops and businesses in solidarity with the villagers.
Despite heavy rainfall, the women continued their sit-in throughout the day, refusing to leave until they received a concrete commitment from the authorities. Protesters raised slogans, accusing officials of neglecting the village’s infrastructure for more than a decade.
After several rounds of discussions involving district officials, police representatives, and a delegation of villagers, the administration announced an agreement at approximately 7:00 p.m., bringing the blockade to a peaceful end.
Four Key Agreements Reached
According to district officials, the administration agreed to:
- Approve ₹2.9 million (29 lakh) for immediate road repair work through the Gram Panchayat.
- Execute the repair work through the Rural Engineering Services (RES) department.
- Restrict the movement of heavy vehicles on the damaged road to prevent further deterioration.
- Begin the permanent road construction process after administrative approval, with construction expected to start in December.
Gyanendra Singh, Additional Collector of Janjgir-Champa, said discussions were held throughout the day with villagers and their representatives.
“We held talks with the villagers and their delegation regarding the road blockade and the hunger strike. An agreement was reached on four points, after which the road blockade was called off. We are also in discussions with those observing the indefinite hunger strike,” Singh said.
Hunger Strike Expected to End
In addition to the road blockade, a group of young villagers had been on an indefinite hunger strike demanding the reconstruction of the road. Following the administration’s assurances, the women protesters agreed to persuade the hunger strikers to end their protest as well.
With the blockade lifted, commercial establishments in Pamgarh gradually reopened during the evening, restoring normal traffic and business activities.
Background
Residents of Dongakohraud village have been demanding the reconstruction of the road for nearly 15 years, claiming that its deteriorating condition has affected transportation, education, healthcare access, and daily commuting. Friday’s protest marked one of the largest public demonstrations in the area, highlighting growing frustration over delayed infrastructure development.
The district administration has now pledged to initiate both short-term repairs and the long-term construction of the road, raising hopes among residents that the prolonged issue may finally be resolved.
