Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai performs bhoomipujan for Rs 10-crore Mayali–Bagicha development project aimed at promoting religious, nature and community-based tourism in Jashpur.
TFP Bureau, Raipur, February 5, 2026: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai on Wednesday formally laid the foundation stone for the Mayali–Bagicha Development Project, marking a significant step towards transforming the scenic Mayali region of Jashpur district into a global tourism destination. The project, approved under the Central Government’s Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2.0 (CBDD sub-scheme), will be implemented at an estimated cost of around Rs 10 crore.
The development initiative will cover Mayali Nature Camp, the revered Madheshwar Mountain—believed to be the world’s largest natural Shivling—and the Kailash Cave area in Bagicha. The project is designed to conserve the region’s rich natural, religious, cultural and tribal heritage while promoting sustainable, community-based tourism and generating employment opportunities for local youth.
Addressing a large gathering at the bhoomipujan ceremony, Chief Minister Sai described the project as a historic milestone for Jashpur district. He said the foundation laid today would firmly establish Mayali on the national and international tourism map. “Mayali is progressing rapidly as a tourism destination. In the coming years, it will be developed as a global centre for eco, religious and adventure tourism,” the Chief Minister said.
Highlighting the spiritual significance of the region, Shri Sai said Mayali has been associated for centuries with Madheshwar Mahadev, whose natural Shivling form attracts devotees from across the region. He noted that the development project would bring national and international recognition to Madheshwar Mountain while ensuring improved facilities for pilgrims and tourists alike. As part of the initiative, a modern tourist resort and a skill development centre will be constructed near the Mayali Dam to enhance visitor experience and local capacity building.
The Chief Minister emphasised that the project aims to position Mayali as a comprehensive eco-tourism destination by showcasing its dense forests, waterfalls, hills and vibrant tribal culture. He said tourism-led income generation would directly benefit local communities and strengthen the rural economy. Referring to the state’s homestay policy, Shri Sai said rural households would be encouraged to participate in tourism activities by hosting visitors, thereby creating livelihood opportunities while offering tourists an authentic cultural experience.
The proposed skill development centre will play a key role in preparing local youth for employment in the tourism sector. Training will be provided in tour guiding, hospitality services, adventure sports, handicrafts and digital booking systems. According to the Chief Minister, this will not only promote tourism but also highlight the cultural and social diversity of Jashpur at national and international platforms.
Under the Mayali–Bagicha Development Project, the region will be developed as an integrated destination for nature, religious and rural tourism. Planned infrastructure includes the construction of five tourist cottages, a conference and convention hall, a grand entrance gate, boundary walls, modern sanitation facilities, landscaped areas and pedestrian pathways. These facilities are expected to improve tourist stay arrangements, support cultural and official events and create sustained employment opportunities.
Special focus will be placed on strengthening religious tourism. The Shiv temple complex at Madheshwar Mountain will be upgraded with improved entry points, landscaping, pathways and public amenities. At the Kailash Cave site in Bagicha, development works will include a new entrance gate, picnic areas, resting sheds, ghat development, pathways and renovation of steps and railings to ensure visitor safety and convenience.
The event was attended by Smt Kaushalya Sai, wife of the Chief Minister; Vice Chairperson of the Surguja Regional Tribal Development Authority and Pathalgaon MLA Smt Gomati Sai; Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board Shri Neelu Sharma; chairpersons of various boards and corporations; senior administrative officers; public representatives; and a large number of local villagers. The project is expected to significantly boost tourism-led growth while preserving the ecological and cultural identity of the Mayali region.
