Announcing ₹200 crore worth of development works and early approval of the Sirpur Barrage, the Chief Minister says Sirpur’s rich cultural heritage will be preserved and promoted on the global stage.
TFP Bureau, Raipur, February 1, 2026: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai on Saturday inaugurated the three-day Sirpur Festival at the renowned historical and archaeological site of Sirpur, reiterating the state government’s commitment to developing the region as an international tourism centre. He announced that comprehensive infrastructure development—including modern roads, decorative lighting, parking facilities, a tourist facilitation centre and an international-level tourist corridor—will be undertaken to enhance Sirpur’s global appeal.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony, presided over by Food Minister and district in-charge Shri Dayal Das Baghel, the Chief Minister said Sirpur is not only a cultural identity of Chhattisgarh but also of the entire nation. Emphasising heritage conservation, he said special efforts are being made to preserve Sirpur’s rich historical and archaeological legacy so that future generations remain connected to its glorious past.
Extending greetings to the people of the district on the occasion of Maghi Purnima, Shri Sai said that with the blessings of Shri Gandheshwar Mahadev, located on the banks of the Mahanadi river, the region is steadily progressing on the path of development. He announced that development works worth approximately ₹200 crore have been sanctioned for the district, covering roads, bridges, drinking water, tourism and other infrastructure projects.
Welcoming Buddhist scholars and thinkers from Malaysia, Korea and Japan, the Chief Minister said Sirpur has been a unique confluence of Sanatan, Buddhist and Jain cultures. Considering its immense tourism potential, the state government is seriously pursuing the inclusion of Sirpur in the World Heritage Site list, which would give it national and international recognition.
Shri Sai also announced that the Sirpur Barrage will be approved soon as part of regional development plans. He informed that work is progressing rapidly on a scheme to bring water from the Sikaser reservoir to the Kodar reservoir, which will ensure continuous irrigation for farmers in the region and strengthen the rural economy.
Food Minister and district in-charge Shri Dayal Das Baghel said the Sirpur Festival has become a unique identity of the district, giving it recognition at both national and international levels. He said the festival is promoting tourism, generating new employment opportunities and providing a platform for youth and local talent. He added that the state government is committed to the all-round development of farmers, labourers, women, youth and the poor, with continuous efforts to expand education, health services, roads and drinking water facilities.
Mahasamund MLA Shri Yogeshwar Raju Sinha said he felt privileged to witness the historic and cultural festival on the sacred land of Sirpur, which has long been a centre of religion, art and knowledge. He said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, the state government is working continuously towards the preservation, development and global recognition of Sirpur. With improved roads, electricity, water supply, tourism amenities and infrastructure, the region is moving towards new heights of development, he added.
The event was attended by Mahasamund MLA Shri Yogeshwar Raju Sinha, Basna MLA Shri Sampat Agarwal, Saja MLA Shri Ishwar Sahu, District Panchayat President Smt. Mongra Patel, Chairman of Chhattisgarh State Seed Corporation Shri Chandrahas Chandrakar, District Panchayat Vice President Shri Bhikham Singh Thakur, Mahasamund Municipal Council President Shri Nikhil Kant Sahu, Janpad Panchayat President Smt. Disha Diwan, Basna Nagar Panchayat President Dr. Khushboo Abhishek Agarwal, former MLA Dr. Vimal Chopra, State Chief Commissioner of Bharat Scouts and Guides Shri Inderjit Singh Khalsa ‘Goldy’, Collector Shri Vinay Langeh, Superintendent of Police Shri Prabhat Kumar, SADA CEO Shri Dhamma Sheel Ganveer, District Panchayat CEO Shri Hemant Nandanwar, and several other public representatives and dignitaries.
