Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma inaugurates Van Mahotsav, unveils 6-km eco-trail, launches plantation drives and distributes solar lanterns to Baiga beneficiaries
TFP Bureau, Raipur, July 11,2026: Chhattisgarh took another step towards promoting sustainable tourism and environmental conservation as Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma inaugurated the Van Mahotsav and the Bhoramdev Eco-Trail at the Bhoramdev Wildlife Sanctuary in Kabirdham district.
The Deputy Chief Minister, accompanied by public representatives, Forest Department officials and local villagers, traversed the newly developed six-kilometre eco-trail, highlighting the state’s efforts to promote responsible tourism while conserving biodiversity and creating livelihood opportunities for local communities.
Addressing the gathering, Sharma said the launch of the eco-trail would offer visitors an opportunity to experience the rich forests, wildlife and scenic beauty of the Bhoramdev region while boosting the local economy through tourism.
He said the region possesses immense natural wealth and has the potential to emerge as a major eco-tourism destination. Expansion of tourism infrastructure, he added, would generate employment in sectors such as hospitality, transport, handicrafts, food services and local enterprises, creating sustainable income opportunities for residents.
The Deputy Chief Minister urged local communities to actively participate in preserving the region’s natural heritage and maintaining the cleanliness of tourist destinations, stating that environmental conservation and tourism development must go hand in hand.
Sharma also announced that ₹146 crore has been sanctioned under the Central Government’s Swadesh Darshan Scheme for the integrated development of tourism infrastructure in the Bhoramdev region. The project includes the development of entrance gates, visitor shelters, museums, parks, parking facilities, fairgrounds and heritage sites such as Cherki Mahal, Madwa Mahal, Ramchua and Saroda Dam.
Developed by the Forest Department, the Bhoramdev Eco-Trail stretches approximately six kilometres through forest landscapes and can be completed in three to four hours. Visitors will be accompanied by trained nature guides, who will introduce them to the region’s flora, medicinal plants, birds, butterflies, wildlife and cultural heritage while ensuring safe movement through the forest.
As part of the Van Mahotsav celebrations, Sharma planted 51 Kala Aam (Black Mango) saplings to establish a dedicated grove at Kariya Aama village. He also launched a district-wide campaign to distribute 50,000 seed balls and flagged off an e-rickshaw carrying one lakh saplings for plantation across Kabirdham district.
The Deputy Chief Minister distributed solar lanterns and jackets to 100 beneficiaries from the Baiga tribal community as part of efforts to improve access to sustainable energy and enhance livelihoods in forest villages.
Divisional Forest Officer Nikhil Agrawal said the Bhoramdev Eco-Trail will be open to visitors every Saturday and Sunday from the Bhoramdev Eco-Camp at the Kariya Aama Gate. Guided tours will showcase the sanctuary’s biodiversity, medicinal plants, birdlife, local cuisine and the heritage complex of the Bhoramdev Temple. A participation fee of ₹1,000 per person has been fixed for the eco-trail.
The programme was attended by Visheshwar Patel, Suresh Chandravanshi, Bhagat Patel, Ishwari Sahu, public representatives, Forest Department officials and a large number of local residents.
