RAIPUR,CG,BHARAT: In a significant move to enhance tourism in the Bastar region, a tourism corridor will be developed, as discussed during the first meeting of the Bastar Area Tribal Development Authority, chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai in Chitrakot on Monday. Plans were laid out to identify and develop key tourist destinations to attract large-scale tourism.

The Chief Minister highlighted the recognition of Dhudmaras village in Kanger Valley National Park by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) under its Tourism Village Upgradation Program. Dhudmaras has gained international prominence as one of 20 villages selected from 60 countries, giving Bastar a new identity in global tourism.

The meeting also addressed the construction of a Super Specialty Hospital by NMDC in Bastar to improve healthcare access. Chief Minister Sai launched the Solar Samadhan and Mano Bastar App, along with inaugurating a solar-powered power bank to encourage sustainable energy use in the region.

Sai emphasized the government's dedication to Bastar’s development, stating that resources under CSR and state and central schemes would be utilized effectively. He also reiterated the goal of eradicating Maoist influence by March 2026, stressing that peace and prosperity could only be achieved through trust-building and infrastructural development in tribal areas.

Key directives included, timely completion of the Keshakal Ghat improvement project, accelerated implementation of projects under the Tribal Development Authority and addressing issues like water quality in Dantewada villages through coordinated efforts by NMDC and local administrations.

Suggestions for Tourism and Economic Growth

Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao lauded initiatives like the Bastar Olympics and called for continued efforts to prioritize regional development. Other suggestions included establishing sports academies, organic farming projects, and infrastructure for collective farming. Finance Minister OP Chaudhary recommended opening institutes for hospitality and nursing to generate employment.

Vice Chairperson Lata Usendi emphasized plans for education, entrepreneurship, and village-based agricultural service centers.

Chief Secretary Amitabh Jain emphasized recruitment drives in aspirational districts and noted progress in basic facility surveys in 95 villages. Kanker Collector confirmed compensation for farmers under the Raoghat project, and BSP reported employment opportunities for 153 local youths.