Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Saturday outlined a development roadmap for Bastar and the wider state on the occasion of India's 80th Independence Day. The roadmap focuses on infrastructure, livelihoods, education, healthcare, electricity, transport and tourism following the state government's declaration that Left-Wing Extremism has been eliminated from the region.
Sai highlighted the transformation of Bastar, a region that was severely affected by Maoist insurgency for years. He said the area is now witnessing greater development activity, with Tiranga rallies reaching remote settlements. Security camps are also being positioned as centres for public services and community initiatives under the government's broader development approach.
The government said flagship programmes such as Niyad Nella Naar 2.0 and Bastar Munne Abhiyan are taking 31 government schemes and 14 community amenities to more than 3.9 million residents. A ₹4,824-crore Livelihood Upgrade Scheme is also being implemented for nearly 10 lakh low-income families, with the stated objective of improving household incomes and creating stronger economic opportunities in the region.
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Education and healthcare are among the other areas receiving attention. Schools that had been closed in conflict-affected areas are being revived, while 36 new institutions have been sanctioned. Education Cities are also being developed in remote locations such as Orchha and Jagdalguda. Under the Mukhyamantri Swasth Bastar Abhiyan, health profiles of more than 3.4 million citizens have already been created, according to the state government.
Infrastructure projects are also being expanded across Bastar. The government said 461 solar-powered villages are being connected to the main electricity grid, while 234 interior settlements are gaining road connectivity. Public transport has been extended to 814 villages across Bastar and Sarguja through the Mukhyamantri Gramin Bus Sewa, alongside railway expansion along the Rowghat-Jagdalpur corridor.
The state government is also seeking to promote Bastar as a tourism destination by developing a modern tent city at Chitrakote Waterfalls and showcasing the region's tribal heritage through cultural platforms. Sai reaffirmed that the government would continue its development agenda across Bastar and Chhattisgarh, with a focus on infrastructure, agriculture and opportunities for young people as the region moves towards a post-insurgency phase of reconstruction.
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