Delhi, 07 April (H.S.): Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday and presented a development blueprint for the Bastar region focusing on tourism, start-ups, infrastructure and innovation.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister highlighted the improvement in the security situation in Bastar and outlined a roadmap aimed at accelerating economic growth, improving connectivity and strengthening basic infrastructure in the region. He also invited the Prime Minister to visit Bastar after the monsoon for the foundation laying and inauguration of key development projects.

The development plan includes completion of pending works under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana by 2027, construction of 228 new roads and 267 bridges and proposals for additional projects seeking central assistance.

The Chief Minister also highlighted initiatives to strengthen education and healthcare infrastructure, including upgrading residential schools, expansion of primary health centres and development of advanced medical facilities in the region.

In the irrigation sector, projects on the Indravati River are expected to expand irrigation coverage and strengthen agricultural productivity.

A three-year livelihood plan has also been outlined with the objective of increasing household incomes and improving economic stability in the region.

The Chief Minister said the Niyad Nellanar 2.0 initiative is being expanded to additional districts to ensure wider delivery of development benefits and government welfare schemes.

To promote entrepreneurship, a startup policy has been introduced with a target of supporting 5,000 startups by 2030 to encourage innovation and employment generation.

Tourism development plans include infrastructure improvement at major waterfalls and national parks in Bastar along with promotion of adventure tourism to attract more visitors.

The Bastar Munne initiative will organise camps in gram panchayats to improve access to government services, facilitate delivery of welfare schemes and ensure grievance redressal at the local level.

Among the major projects proposed during the Prime Minister’s expected visit are railway connectivity expansion, airport development, a super speciality hospital, a medical college and education infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening regional growth.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar