Baniyabandh villagers rise from Red shadow, transform lives through bamboo craftsmanship

Chatra: In remote Baniyabandh village under Bengokala panchayat of Kanhachatti block in Chatra, close to the Bihar border, a quiet but powerful wave of transformation is shaping lives.

For years in the past, fear dictated life here. Once infamous as a Maoist stronghold where extremists held their own courts and dictated punishments, the village today stands as a shining example of how hope, skill, and administrative support can rewrite destinies. The villagers, now, seek govt help in making proper roads to their village and connecting to the market.The exit of Maoists opened the doors to yet another challenge — the rise of the opium mafia.

Lured by attractive payouts, several villagers were pushed toward poppy cultivation. However, sustained awareness campaigns and strict action by authorities helped curb this illegal practice.Today, Baniyabandh is reclaiming its future through its indigenous talent. The villagers have revived the traditional craft of weaving bamboo into baskets, 'soops' and other handicraft goods. The shift has restored livelihoods and brought the community back into the mainstream.

The most inspiring change lies in the transformation of people themselves. Hands that once held guns now shape bamboo. The villagers have not only secured livelihoods for themselves but have also created opportunities for their families. The surge in bamboo craftsmanship has become a symbol of self-reliance and a new beginning.Despite the progress, market access continues to be a hurdle. Villagers such as Kailu Turi, Sonwa Devi, Munia Devi, and Phulwa Devi say poor roads restrict them from reaching markets.

As a result, middlemen enter the village and buy their products at throwaway prices, depriving them of fair value for their labour. Kailu, a resident, confirmed that buyers came to their village to get the items. “We earn from this business as well as grow green vegetables,” he added.The villagers have appealed to the govt to provide road connectivity, storage facilities, and fair platforms to market their products.

Training support and better resources, they believe, will further polish their craft and strengthen their income.Kanhachatti BDO Sunil Prakash said the administration is committed to the development of the village. Recently, a storeroom and a training centre for bamboo artisans have been constructed under the DMFT fund. Several MGNREGA-linked schemes are already underway, and housing benefits are being provided to eligible families. Prakash added that a detailed survey of the village would soon be undertaken, and reports would be sent to the district administration to ensure all basic facilities reach the community at the earliest.