In an exclusive interview with ET, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said Bastar is a key priority for post-safe operations. “After washing the Naxals, vacuum cannot be allowed. The most important task now is to provide employment to the people of Bastari without disturbing their natural lifestyle.”
To this end, the government is launching a series of programs targeting agriculture, allied activities, tourism and promoting local businesses. Once an inaccessible area has begun to develop infrastructure. Mobile towers have been installed, road projects have been launched, and plans such as pipeline water supply and Ayushman Bharat cards are being implemented in phases.
Investment and tourism enhancement
To stimulate regional industrial growth, the state will host a sector investor summit in Bastall on June 20 and will be held in Salguaza on July 11. “These summits are designed to promote new and small industries that will bring employment to local youth,” Sai said.
Tourism is also a major key area. He added: “Bastall’s waterfalls, forests and tribal heritage make it a unique destination. We are training locals to open homestays and become part of the tourism economy.”Agriculture, animal husbandry and connectivityThe fertile soil of Bastar is perfect for millet cultivation, a traditional crop from the local tribal community. The government is working to establish market ties to better price. Special programs are also being introduced to promote livestock and pis farming.
“The tribal communities are loving and content with their lifestyle. Our goal is not to change this, but to enhance their existing livelihoods.” Irrigation improvements are also being conducted on the card, and a feasibility study is being conducted that links the Indravati River to Mahanadi.
Safety benefits
Security actions have intensified since the Japanese BJP government took office in December 2023: 1,376 Naxals have been arrested, 364 people have been killed and 1,301 have been surrendered. 61 new security camps have been established. On April 1, three regions – Mungeli, Mahasamund and Balrampur were removed from the list of regions affected by left-wing extremism.
