Team News Riveting
Raipur, November 18
The Bastar Region Tribal Development Authority discussed about developing a tourism corridor in Bastar that has been endowed with nature’s beauty.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai chaired the meeting held at Chitrakote in Bastar on Monday.
A state government spokesperson said the discussions included plans for establishing a tourism corridor to significantly boost tourism in the Bastar region by developing identified tourist destinations and construction of a super-speciality hospital by NMDC. During the event, Sai launched the Saur Samadhan and Mano Bastar apps and inaugurated a solar-powered power bank.
Chief Minister shared that Dhudmaras village, located in Kanger Valley National Park, had been selected by the UN Tourism under its Rural Development Programme as part of the Best Tourism Village initiative. This recognition places Dhudmaaras among 20 villages globally chosen from 60 countries, bringing national and international acclaim to Chhattisgarh.
In his address, Sai reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the development of the Bastar and Surguja regions, highlighting the Tribal Development Authorities’ pivotal role in progress. He assured that no shortage of funds or resources would hinder tribal development, with substantial contributions available through Corporate Social Responsibility. Emphasising the “double-engine” governance of the Central and State Governments, he noted their shared sensitivity toward tribal welfare.
The Chief Minister also shared the Union Government’s ambitious goal, led by Home Minister Amit Shah, to eliminate Naxal terrorism by March 2026. Sai praised the state’s progress, noting that Naxal activities are now confined to smaller areas, with efforts focused on restoring peace and strengthening democratic foundations. He stressed that development and trust in governance are essential for achieving lasting peace in Bastar.
He highlighted the transformative impact of the Niyad Nella Naar Yojana, which is bringing essential infrastructure such as roads, schools, hospitals, and mobile towers to remote villages. Under this scheme, 34 new security camps have been established to provide better facilities for rural communities. The meeting included suggestions from ministers, MPs, and legislators, emphasizing unity in driving development efforts.
The Chief Minister directed officials to expedite the repair of the Keshkal Ghat road and complete projects funded by tribal authorities within stipulated timelines. He instructed the Bastar Collector to finalise pending works in Devgudi and Matagudi within six weeks. Additionally, NMDC was tasked with resolving issues in Nerli and Thurli villages, such as red water turbidity, through collaborative efforts with district collectors.
Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao highlighted the prioritisation of Bastar and Surguja’s development through initiatives like Niyad Nella Naar and the Bastar Olympics. Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap suggested focusing on fisheries, dairy entrepreneurship, collective farming in FRA clusters, and establishing sports academies. Finance Minister O P Choudhary recommended introducing hotel management institutes, nursing colleges, organic farming projects, and permanent POTA cabins.
Bastar Development Authority Vice-Chairperson Smt Lata Usendi emphasised educational and entrepreneurial development while advocating for agricultural service centres and global tourism promotion. Kiran Deo Singh proposed a Central Instrumental Laboratory for research scholars.
Chief Secretary Amitabh Jain shared updates on police successes in Bastar and infrastructure surveys in 95 villages. He directed district administrations to focus on the recruitment campaign in aspirational districts. Kanker Collector confirmed compensation for all farmers affected by the Rowghat Project, while BSP representatives noted employment opportunities for 153 affected youth. The Education Secretary assured that no schools have been closed in Bastar, with plans to address infrastructure gaps for schools lacking permanent structures.
Food Minister Dayal Das Baghel, Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Commerce and Industries Minister Lakhanlal Dewangan, Women and Child Development Minister Smt Laxmi Rajwada, Revenue Minister Tankaram Verma, Bastar MP Mahesh Kashyap and all the MLAs of Bastar division, Zila Panchayat Chairman, Additional Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Principal Secretary Tribal Department, Secretary to Chief Minister P Dayanand and Rahul Bhagat, Member Secretary Authority Shri Dr Basavaraju S., Secretaries of various departments, Commissioner of Bastar division, IG, Collectors and SPs of all the districts of the division were present in the meeting.
