Civilians who lost arms or legs in improvised explosive device (IED) blasts during years of Maoist violence in Bastar are being offered prosthetic limbs and other assistive devices through two rehabilitation camps being held across the division this month.
The first three-day camp is under way in Jagdalpur from October 5 to 7 for beneficiaries from Bastar, Kanker, Narayanpur and Kondagaon districts. A second camp will be held in Dantewada from October 15 to 17 for people from Dantewada, Sukma and Bijapur districts. IED blast survivors will receive priority, although people with disabilities arising from other causes will also be covered.
Depending on individual requirements, beneficiaries may be fitted with foot prostheses, artificial arms, calipers and other mobility aids. Specialists will examine each person, take measurements and prepare the devices according to their needs. The camps will also provide repairs for prostheses that are old or damaged.
The initiative is being organised with technical support from Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti, Jaipur. The social welfare department is supporting the distribution of hearing aids, crutches, smart walking sticks, wheelchairs, tricycles and other assistive devices.
For the Jagdalpur camp alone, the administration has identified 2,953 persons with disabilities across the four districts. The list includes 1,570 people from Bastar, 1,080 from Kondagaon, 236 from Kanker and 67 from Narayanpur. The figures indicate the scale of disability-related service needs spread across a largely rural and geographically difficult region.
Recent village meetings across Bastar division were used to register people who suffered injuries in Maoist violence. The administration is also trying to identify additional survivors through gram panchayats, janpad-level officials and district authorities. Officials said people who have not registered in advance can directly reach the camps.
Home Minister Vijay Sharma said IEDs planted during the Maoist conflict had affected civilians and animals as well as security personnel, leaving several residents with permanent disabilities years after the explosions. The current camp-based approach is intended to bring assessment, fitting and repair services closer to residents across the affected districts.
The Dantewada camp is scheduled to take place from October 15 to 17, extending the rehabilitation programme to beneficiaries from Dantewada, Sukma and Bijapur.
