Chhattisgarh government is fully committed to the overall development of tourism: CM Vishnu Deo Sai
Raipur. A group of journalists from Chhattisgarh paid a courtesy call on Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai at the Chief Minister’s residence in Raipur today, after returning from an interstate study tour of Rajasthan. On this occasion, the journalists shared their experiences of the state’s legislative, administrative, and tourism innovations during their visit from December 15th to 20th. Chief Minister Sai stated that the Chhattisgarh government has initiated an interstate study tour program for journalists to understand innovative initiatives related to governance, tourism, and cultural development in other states from a journalist’s perspective. He stated that new and effective initiatives can be initiated in Chhattisgarh based on the experiences gained from such study tours.
The Chief Minister urged the journalists to document their experiences in the form of travelogues, which will serve as a useful guide for tourists. He stated that journalists’ writings are not only a source of information but also a powerful tool for promoting tourism.
Highlighting the immense potential for tourism in the state, Chief Minister Sai stated that the Chhattisgarh government is fully committed to the overall development of tourism. He specifically mentioned the Bastar region, saying that while Bastar is a paradise on earth in terms of natural beauty, Naxalism has long been a major obstacle to its development. The Chief Minister stated that the state government is working with full determination to eradicate Naxalism by March 2026, in accordance with the resolve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Chief Minister Sai stated that tourism has been included in the state’s new industrial policy. Homestays are being promoted in remote forest areas, allowing tourists to stay with rural families and experience their culture, food, and lifestyle up close. This will not only boost tourism but also create new employment and income opportunities for local people. He stated that the inclusion of Chhattisgarh’s Dhudmaras among the world’s 20 top tourist destinations is a matter of pride for the state. The Chief Minister welcomed the suggestions made by journalists and said that these will be seriously considered and implemented.
On this occasion, Vijay Tripathi from Jashpur shared that during his visit to Rajasthan, he had the opportunity to visit the state’s Legislative Assembly, where a magnificent museum has been built to educate the public about the law-making process and its functioning. This museum provides an opportunity to understand the legislative journey from the state’s inception to the present, and the contributions of historical figures.
Vijay Khetrapal from Korba said that this study tour provided an opportunity to understand how centuries-old forts and palaces in Rajasthan have been developed into tourist destinations by integrating modern amenities. Furthermore, tourism in desert areas has been enhanced through activities such as jeep safaris, camel rides, para-sailing, and desert camps, which could serve as an effective case study for Chhattisgarh.
Arjun Jha from Jagdalpur shared his experience of Chokardhani in Jaipur, saying that rural life, folk culture, and cuisine are presented on a single platform. He suggested that Chhattisgarh’s folk culture could be presented to tourists through Bastar Pandum. Mr. Tinkeshwar Tiwari also emphasized the need to prominently promote Chhattisgarh’s traditional cuisine at tourist destinations, following the Rajasthani cuisine.
