New Delhi: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai met Prime Minister Narendra Modi today to present a comprehensive development plan for Bastar, marking a new chapter in the region’s post-Naxal era growth. CM Sai expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for the establishment of peace in Bastar and handed over a detailed blueprint for holistic development, inviting PM Modi to visit the region post-monsoon to inaugurate major projects.
Peace and Development in Naxal-Free Bastar
CM Sai highlighted that Naxalism has ended in Bastar, bringing lasting peace and creating opportunities for development. The blueprint focuses on education, healthcare, infrastructure, connectivity, and livelihoods, ensuring that the region benefits from a new era of growth and prosperity.
Key initiatives include:
- New Education Cities, Super Specialty Hospitals, and Medical Colleges
- Barrage on Indravati River, Railway Line Expansion, and Airport Development
- Comprehensive road and bridge networks connecting remote villages
Bastar Development Blueprint: ‘Saturate, Connect, Facilitate, Empower, Engage’
The development strategy, named SCFEE, aims to rapidly expand essential services and enhance local livelihoods:
- 228 new roads and 267 bridges proposed, completing pending PMGSY works by 2027
- 61 projects seeking special central assistance
- Universal electricity access acceleration
- 45 POTA cabin schools upgraded to permanent structures
- 15 stadiums and 2 multipurpose halls for youth engagement
Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livelihood Boost
The blueprint also emphasizes agriculture and irrigation:
- Two major projects at Deurgav and Matnar on the Indravati River to irrigate 31,840 hectares
- Three-year livelihood plan targeting monthly income increase from ₹15,000 to ₹30,000 per family by 2029
- Expansion of ‘Niyad Nella Nar 2.0’ program to 10 districts, now covering 7 original and 3 new districts (Gariaband, Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki, Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai)
Innovation, Startups, and Skill Development
Bastar’s ‘Anjor Vision 2047’ and ‘Viksit Bharat@2047’ initiatives include:
- Start-up policy aiming to create 5,000 start-ups by 2030
- Skill development programs already training over 100,000 youth, with 40,000 employed
- Focus on innovation hubs to promote entrepreneurship and technology-driven growth
Tourism and Adventure: Bastar on Global Map
Tourism is a major pillar of Bastar 2.0, with projects designed to enhance the region’s global appeal:
- Development of Chitrakote and Tirathgarh Waterfalls, Kanger Valley National Park, Canopy Walks, and Glass Bridges
- Adventure tourism and cultural events like Bastar Olympics and Bastar Pandum
- Integration of tourism with livelihood opportunities for local communities
Bastar Munne Program: Bringing Governance to Every Village
Under the ‘Bastar Munne’ program, the government plans to conduct camps in each Gram Panchayat:
- Citizens can directly access government schemes
- On-the-spot document creation and problem resolution
- Ensures faster implementation of development projects across the region
Major Projects for PM Modi’s Proposed Visit
The Chief Minister proposed the inauguration and foundation-laying of key projects during PM Modi’s visit, including:
- Raoghat-Jagdalpur Railway Line
- Jagdalpur Airport Expansion
- Super Specialty Hospital and Medical College in Dantewada
- Education Cities in Jaggergunda and Orcha
These projects aim to transform Bastar’s healthcare, education, and connectivity, creating a robust platform for sustainable development.
With Bastar 2.0, the region is set to emerge as a model of peace, prosperity, and sustainable development, blending modern infrastructure with cultural richness and global tourism potential.
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