Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai meets PM Modi, unveils ‘Bastar 2.0’ growth vision | India News
New Delhi: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai met Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on Tuesday to present a Bastar 2.0 development blueprint, which aims to transform the once Naxal-hit region into a hub for infrastructure expansion, innovation-led growth, start-ups and tourism. Bastar was recently declared free of left-wing extremism when all CPI (Maoist) leaders standing were either eliminated or chose to surrender. The region, which suffered decades of Naxalite violence, depriving local tribals of the benefits of development and welfare schemes, is now the focus of a major development and welfare push. Presenting a visionary vision for Bastar’s development, Sai, during a discussion with the Prime Minister, highlighted the region’s growth potential and outlined a transformative approach to accelerate economic progress and improve the living standards of its people.The Chief Minister invited the Prime Minister to visit Bastar during the monsoon season to inaugurate key initiatives aimed at laying foundation stones of various projects and ushering in a new era of growth. The projects include Raoghat-Jagdalpur railway line, expansion of Jagdalpur airport, a super-specialty hospital, a medical college at Dantewada and development of ‘Education Cities’ at Jagargunda and Orsha.Bastar’s blueprint, Tsai underlined, is built around the core strategy of “Saturate, Connect, Facilitate, Empower and Engage”. “The approach aims to ensure rapid and inclusive expansion of basic infrastructure and essential services across the region. A key focus is on integrating remote and previously isolated villages into the mainstream through a strong road network… The plan includes construction of 228 new roads and 267 bridges,” a Chhattisgarh government official said.To boost livelihoods, the state government has outlined a focused three-year plan aimed at doubling household income. The objective is to raise the monthly income of around 85% of households from Rs 15,000 to Rs 30,000 by 2029, thereby improving overall economic stability in the region.In terms of tourism, important destinations like Chitrakot and Tirathgarh waterfalls along with Kanger Valley National Park are being developed with improved infrastructure and visitor facilities. Adventure tourism projects including a canopy walk and a glass bridge are also underway to attract a wide range of tourists.
