Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, during the NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting in New Delhi, outlined a vision to revamp Bastar, shifting from a history of violence to a future centered on progress and prosperity. The plan includes initiatives for economic growth, job creation, education, tourism, and agriculture development in the region.
Sai highlighted key strategies such as boosting milk production, enhancing irrigation facilities, providing digital healthcare services in villages, and creating employment opportunities for the youth. He proposed an ambitious roadmap to double the income of tribal households, introduce a ‘White Revolution’ through dairy farming, and expand irrigation infrastructure over 32,000 hectares.
Emphasizing the potential of tourism and the importance of investing in modern sectors like artificial intelligence and semiconductors, Sai aims to align Bastar’s advancement with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. The implementation of a dairy model in Bastar is underway, focusing on offering milch cows and buffaloes to tribal families to stimulate sustainable income, empower women and youth, and foster economic growth.
Moreover, significant irrigation projects worth over Rs 2,000 crore are set to launch to ensure consistent water supply in the Indravati river region, covering 32,000 hectares. These projects aim to diversify crop cultivation, enhance agricultural productivity, and increase farmers’ income by introducing crops like vegetables, fruits, and cash crops alongside paddy.
Sai reiterated the government’s commitment to elevate the monthly income of Bastar families to Rs 30,000 within three years, aiming to uplift the majority of families currently earning below Rs 15,000 monthly. He stressed that agriculture, animal husbandry, forest produce, small-scale industries, and government initiatives will be pivotal in driving this transformative agenda.
The meeting, attended by Union ministers, Chief Ministers, Lieutenant Governors, NITI Aayog members, and senior officials, signifies Bastar’s transition towards progress and prosperity.
