Team News Riveting
Raipur, January 30
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai visited district headquarters of Narayanpur during his two-day visit to Bastar on January 30.
He participated in several programmes and announced major development initiatives for the district. He attended the district-level Bastar Pandum organised at the High School Ground and dedicated 357 development works worth Rs 351 crore 49 lakh 45 thousand.
Addressing a large public gathering, the Chief Minister stated that Chhattisgarh is steadily moving towards the end of Left Wing Extremism, enabling development to regain momentum. He noted that due to Maoist violence, the region had remained deprived of development for a long time, but today innovation and progress are reaching these areas.
Speaking further at the High School Ground in Narayanpur, the Chief Minister said that under the firm resolve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the state government is making sustained efforts to free Chhattisgarh from Maoist influence. He informed that through the Niyad Nella Nar Yojana, access to various government schemes and development activities has been ensured in more than 400 villages of Bastar. Surrendered Maoists are being provided skill upgradation training to help them join the mainstream and become self-reliant, ensuring a “dignified livelihood and social reintegration.”
Reiterating the government’s resolve, the Chief Minister said that efforts are being made to connect Bastar with all dimensions of development by promoting tourism, agriculture, and animal husbandry. He emphasised that the state government is organising Bastar Pandum with the objective of preserving and nurturing tribal culture and traditional heritage, calling upon people to remain rooted in their tribal civilisation and legacy.
Chief Minister Announces Six Construction Works Worth Rs. 332 Crore
During the programme, the Chief Minister announced six major construction works with an estimated cost of Rs. 332 crore. This includes the construction of the 125-kilometre-long Narayanpur–Orchha–Aader–Lanka–Bedre–Kutrumamed road at a cost of Rs. 250 crore. This important route will connect Narayanpur district with Bijapur district and link several interior villages, including Edvaya, Edjum, Aader, Kudmel, Dhodribeda, Jatlur, Dhobe, Dodimarka, Padmeta and Lanka.
He also announced surface strengthening work on the 28-kilometre Rajnandgaon–Bailadila road at a cost of approximately Rs. 34 crore, connecting Narayanpur with Dantewada district. Similarly, surface strengthening of the 28-kilometre Narayanpur–Sonpur–Maroda road was announced at a cost of Rs. 34 crore 12 lakh. This road connects the district up to the Maharashtra border and links villages such as Brehbeda, kurushnar , Basing, and Sonpur.
In addition, approval was given for the construction of a high-level bridge and approach road over Ghudsaal Nala on the Brehbeda–Kandadi–Kihikad–Murnar–Becha road, with a length of 80 metres and a cost of Rs. 12 crore 42 lakh. The Chief Minister also announced approval for school infrastructure and buildings for ten alternative primary schools started in the interior areas of Abujhmad, along with an ashram school building at Toke, at a cost of Rs. 1 crore 6 lakh. Furthermore, a sports ground at the district education hub in Garanji was announced at a cost of Rs. 50 lakh.
Addressing the gathering, Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap stated that under the decisive leadership of the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister, armed Maoist violence will be completely eliminated from the country by 31 March 2026. He expressed confidence that Narayanpur district will soon become Maoist-free and move steadily on the path of peace, development and prosperity. Revenue Minister and district in-charge minister Shri Tank Ram Verma stated that the Chief Minister has gifted development works worth Rs. 351 crore to the district, reflecting the state’s rapid progress under his leadership.
Earlier, Bastar MP Mahesh Kashyap said that tribal culture and traditions have continued for generations and Bastar’s cultural heritage has a distinct global identity. He thanked the Chief Minister for organising Bastar Pandum, stating that through its 12 disciplines, the event is helping preserve tribal traditions, while initiatives like the Bastar Olympics are providing youth an opportunity to showcase their talent and join the mainstream, fostering “peace through participation.”
Chief Minister Blesses Newly Married Surrendered Maoist Couples
The Chief Minister also visited the district-level Bastar Pandum, where he reviewed tribal cuisine, attire, ornaments and ancient heritage, emphasising their preservation. Under the Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivah Yojana, he blessed four couples who had surrendered Maoist ideology and returned to the mainstream, wishing them a happy married life. He congratulated all the couples for joining the mainstream and beginning a new chapter of life.
On this occasion, several public representatives, including the Chairman of the Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce Federation Roopsai Salam, representatives of Panchayati Raj and urban bodies, and a large number of citizens were present.
