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In Puvarti, guns fade; governance takes root after decades of insurgency

“We will get electricity for the first time soon,” Pojje said in the Gondi dialect.

Published on: Apr 3, 2026, 06:32:54 IST
By Ritesh Mishra
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Puvarti(Chhattisgarh) : As the sun sets behind tall trees, a soft orange light spreads across Puvarti, once the epicentre of Maoism in the Bastar region and home to slain Maoist commander Madvi Hidma and his deputy, Barse Deva, who surrendered on January 2 this year. Nearly 100 kilometres from Sukma’s district headquarters, Puvarti is surrounded by forested hills on three sides. Outsiders were not allowed to enter the village between 2000 and February 2024, when security forces established a camp.

PREMIUMAcross Bastar division, officials said 31 new primary schools have been approved and nearly 50 previously shut schools reopened. (HT photo.)
Across Bastar division, officials said 31 new primary schools have been approved and nearly 50 previously shut schools reopened. (HT photo.)
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ritesh Mishra

Ritesh Mishra is the State Correspondent for Chhattisgarh with Hindustan Times. He reports on Maoism, internal security, politics, mining, governance, and major developments shaping the state. Based in Raipur, he has covered Chhattisgarh since 2016, reporting extensively from the Bastar region and other conflict-affected areas. With nearly two decades of experience in journalism, Ritesh has built a reputation for ground reporting from some of India's most challenging terrains. His coverage spans Left-Wing Extremism, counter-insurgency operations, elections, tribal affairs, environmental issues, infrastructure, mining, and socio-economic developments. He has reported on major security operations, policy initiatives, wildlife crime, and the changing dynamics of conflict and development in Central India. Before moving to Chhattisgarh, Ritesh spent eight years reporting from Madhya Pradesh, covering politics, administration, crime, development, and social issues. Throughout his career, he has reported on various forms of extremism in Central India, combining field reporting with in-depth analysis to produce accurate, balanced, and impactful journalism. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Ritesh worked with The Pioneer and The Free Press Journal, where he covered a wide range of beats and honed his skills in political, investigative, and field reporting. His reporting is marked by exclusive stories, extensive fieldwork, and a commitment to factual, on-the-ground journalism that brings complex issues to a wider audience.

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