Journalists returning from Leh-Ladakh study tour meet Chief Minister; focus on showcasing Bastar’s natural beauty, tribal culture and emerging tourism opportunities
TFP Bureau, Raipur, August 22, 2026: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has called upon the media to play a proactive role in presenting Bastar’s changing identity to the country and the world, highlighting its natural beauty, rich tribal heritage and growing tourism potential.
The Chief Minister made the remarks during a courtesy meeting with journalists who had returned from a study and exposure tour of Leh-Ladakh. During the interaction at his official residence in Raipur, Sai discussed their experiences and the role of media in promoting tourism and development in Bastar.
Bastar’s image changing from conflict to peace and development
Sai said Bastar is blessed with dense forests, waterfalls, rivers, mountains and caves, along with a distinctive tribal culture, folk traditions, handicrafts, cuisine and lifestyle. However, for several decades, the region’s national image was largely associated with Naxalism and violence, overshadowing its cultural and natural wealth.
He said the improvement in the security situation has created new opportunities for development. Along with improvements in roads, communication, education, healthcare and other basic infrastructure, Bastar is now witnessing growing possibilities in tourism.
The Chief Minister said the collective effort should be to ensure that Bastar is increasingly recognised for its nature, culture, tourism and development rather than its troubled past.
Media urged to showcase unexplored destinations
Sai urged journalists to highlight Bastar’s lesser-known tourist destinations and cultural heritage through positive and informative stories.
He said national and international audiences need to be introduced to the region’s unique attractions and changing ground realities. Increased visibility, he added, could help change public perceptions and encourage more tourists to visit the region.
Tourism to create employment opportunities for local youth
The Chief Minister said tourism could become an important pillar of Bastar’s local economy. Expansion of tourism is expected to create employment and self-employment opportunities in sectors such as hotels, homestays, transportation, local cuisine, handicrafts and tourist guide services.
Local youth and women, in particular, could benefit directly from the expansion of tourism-related activities. A larger tourist market would also create greater opportunities for Bastar’s handicrafts, forest produce and other local products.
Leh-Ladakh experience offers lessons
Referring to the journalists’ study tour, Sai said Leh-Ladakh demonstrated how regions with distinctive natural and geographical characteristics could use well-planned tourism to transform their local economies.
During their visit, the journalists observed tourism management practices, local culture, environmental conservation initiatives and livelihood opportunities linked to tourism.
The Chief Minister said these experiences could provide useful insights for developing tourism in Bastar while preserving its environment and cultural heritage.
Government committed to peaceful and sustainable tourism
Sai said the state government remains committed to consolidating peace and development in Bastar while simultaneously expanding its tourism potential.
He said the vision is to enable tourists from across India and abroad to visit Bastar without fear, experience its natural and cultural wealth firsthand and return with an understanding of the region’s transformation.
The visiting journalists shared their experiences of Leh-Ladakh with the Chief Minister and discussed their observations regarding tourism development, local economic activities, culture and tourism management.
Chief Minister’s Advisor R. Krishna Das, Public Relations Commissioner Rajat Bansal, Chief Minister’s Press Officer Alok Singh and prominent journalists were also present on the occasion.
