TFP Bureau, Raipur, April 11, 2025: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai has emphasized the vast potential for tourism in Chhattisgarh and called for a collaborative effort between the Tourism, Forest, and Water Resources departments to create an integrated action plan to elevate the state’s tourism profile. Speaking at a meeting to review tourism development efforts, the Chief Minister urged the promotion of forest-based tourism and water sports, particularly at major dams along the Mahanadi and Indravati rivers. He also highlighted the importance of developing tourism facilities at the state’s key Shakti Peethas and proposed the creation of tourism circuits to connect nearby destinations, boosting overall tourism flow.
Addressing the need for a strategic approach, Shri Sai suggested leveraging Chhattisgarh’s potential in eco-tourism, adventure tourism, wildlife, and wellness tourism. He advocated for the branding of key tourist destinations like Bastar and Surguja to make them national landmarks.
In the meeting, various tourism initiatives were discussed, including the development of tourism corridors such as the Bastar corridor, which would encompass notable sites like Chitrakote waterfall and Kanger Valley National Park, as well as a corridor in Jashpur district, which includes historical and religious destinations like the Madheshwar temple. The Chief Minister also pointed out the growing popularity of Champaran, known for being the birthplace of Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya, and recommended expanding tourism facilities to attract national tourists.
Promoting Water Sports and Expanding Infrastructure
Further promoting Chhattisgarh’s tourism potential, Chief Minister Sai announced plans to enhance water sports activities at popular sites such as Gangrel Dam in Dhamtari, Kodar Dam in Mahasamund, and the Saroda Dam in Bastar. These locations are already attracting tourists for water-based activities like boating, and the Chief Minister proposed developing more sites across the state for water sports.
The Chief Minister also reviewed the progress of ongoing tourism projects under Swadesh Darshan and the Prasad Yojana. He highlighted the allocation of Rs 145 crore for the Bhoramdev Corridor, aimed at connecting religious and natural attractions to create a premium tourism experience. Additionally, the state government’s plans for the Chitrotpala Film City, a major film industry hub being built in Nava Raipur with a central government grant of Rs 95 crore, were discussed.
Tourism Recognized as an Industry
In a significant move to support tourism growth, the Chief Minister announced that tourism has been granted the status of an industry under the state’s new industrial policy. He encouraged the involvement of national investors to help develop tourism infrastructure in the state. With over 2 crore tourists visiting annually, the government aims to create regular employment opportunities for local communities, particularly through small cottage industries and home stays in tourist areas.
Chief Secretary Mr. Amitabh Jain, along with senior officials from the Forest, Tourism, and Water Resources departments, attended the meeting to further the implementation of these ambitious tourism development plans.
