On Tuesday, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi to unveil a comprehensive plan aimed at fostering overall development in the state. A significant aspect of this initiative is the transformation of the Bastar region, which has long been a stronghold for Maoist activities, into a prominent tourist destination.
As part of this strategy, the Chhattisgarh government will offer 75% financial support to tourists through the Mukhyamantri Jan Tourism Promotion Scheme, a collaborative effort between the state’s Tourism Department and IRCTC. This program will feature special tour packages that will link Raipur, the state capital, with Bastar, located over 300 kilometers away.
The proposal includes significant investments in modern tourism facilities to improve the overall visitor experience. Notable projects feature the construction of a glass bridge, a canopy walk through lush forests, and unique adventure activities in Dudhmaras village, situated within the Kanger Valley National Park in Bastar.
Enhancing transportation links is another critical component of the plan. This will involve expanding Jagdalpur Airport and constructing 228 new roads along with 267 bridges to facilitate easier access to remote tourist hotspots in the Bastar area.
The state has allocated an annual budget of Rs 100 crore towards developing themed tourism corridors in Bastar. These corridors aim to blend nature, culture, and spirituality while connecting significant landmarks, including the revered Maa Danteshwari Temple.
Additionally, the state government has introduced a specialized skill development program in tourism, successfully training 45 young individuals in tourism management.
To further promote tourism, several initiatives have been launched under the new industrial policy, offering incentives for investments in tourism-related projects. A new home-stay policy has also been instituted to encourage local involvement and provide tourists with authentic cultural experiences, particularly in the Bastar and Surguja regions.
A government spokesperson noted that the renowned Chitrakote waterfall, often dubbed the ‘Niagara of India,’ is undergoing upgrades to establish world-class tourist facilities. Measures are also being taken to expand security camps and essential services to ensure that visitors can safely explore interior sites like Kanger Valley National Park and Tirathgarh Waterfalls.
Beyond tourism, the state plans to enhance 45 existing porta cabin schools by replacing them with permanent structures to create a more stable educational environment.
The blueprint outlines two significant projects along the Indravati River in Deurgaon and Matnar, with a total investment of Rs 2,024 crore, which will facilitate irrigation across 31,840 hectares. Additionally, efforts to bolster healthcare services in Bastar include expanding Primary Health Centres and constructing transit accommodations for medical professionals, thereby improving access to healthcare in remote regions.
Several pivotal projects in Bastar are expected to be inaugurated during the Prime Minister’s upcoming visit to the area in the monsoon season. These projects include the Raoghat–Jagdalpur railway line, the enlargement of Jagdalpur Airport, a Super Specialty Hospital, a Medical College in Dantewada, and the establishment of ‘Education Cities’ in Jagargunda and Orchha.
This meeting between CM Sai and PM Modi occurred shortly after the Centre’s March 31 deadline for eradicating Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) from India, with Bastar identified as a focal point. Over the previous two years, security forces in Chhattisgarh have intensified operations against Maoist groups, resulting in the deaths and surrenders of several leaders and cadres.
For years, Maoists obstructed developmental projects in Bastar, hindering essential services such as electricity and healthcare. However, many areas in the Bastar region, previously off-limits to outsiders, are gradually becoming accessible.
