RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Tuesday underlined the need to showcase the glorious culture, tradition, and history of Chhattisgarh to the world. The state has immense tourism potential.

Addressing the Tourism Conclave 2022 to mark World Tourism Day, he said, “Chhattisgarh was once known for Naxalism, minerals, and underdevelopment. Tourism here remained neglected for a long time and even after the formation of a new state. The entire focus was only on tackling Naxal menace.”  “It created a sense of fear among tourists. Even the families used to raise concern of safety on a Bastar visit and take a sigh of relief, only after safe return,” he added.

“However, Chhattisgarh is blessed with splendid natural beauty and has immense tourism potential. It is one of the best destinations for travel aficionados. Efforts are on to make the state a first choice of travel enthusiasts”, he said. Chhattisgarh is the only state where even the deities are punished, a tribal tradition. If the deity does not fulfil what had been sought, the punishment is meted out. Later, they were acquitted also, he said.

Speaking about the uniqueness of the state's rich culture, he said the state's history begins with the Indian epic Ramayana. There are archaeologically important sites where Nagarjuna (Indian Mahayana Buddhist Thinker, Scholar-saint) had given his contributions in the state (Sirpur), he said.

Give tourism-related training to the members of ‘Rajiv Gandhi Yuva Mitan Club’. Engaging youth in the tourism sector will help to boost tourism, he said. Tourism Minister Tamradhwaj Sahu spoke on initiatives taken on ‘Ram Van Gaman’ tourism circuit. He announced to give special emphasis on developing Gaurlata - the highest peak of the state - as a popular tourist spot.