NewKerala.com

Key Points

The Chhattisgarh government has greenlit the Bodhghat irrigation project with a massive Rs 49,000 crore investment to transform Bastar’s agriculture and power supply. Officials confirm it will irrigate 3.5 lakh hectares across Dantewada, Bijapur, and Sukma while generating electricity and fisheries opportunities. CM Vishnu Deo Sai ties the project to broader anti-Naxal development, emphasizing tourism potential in Bastar. Locals welcome the initiative but stress transparent implementation for real economic benefits.

Key Points: Chhattisgarh CM Sai Revives Rs 49k Crore Bodhghat Project for Bastar

  • Rs 49,000 crore project to irrigate 3.5L hectares in Bastar
  • Aims to boost power, fisheries, and local employment
  • CM Sai links development to Naxal-free tourism push
  • Farmers assured fair compensation for land acquisition
2 min read

Chhattisgarh government to invest Rs 49,000 crore in Bodhghat project to boost Bastar's development

Chhattisgarh govt revives Bodhghat irrigation project to transform Bastar with Rs 49,000 crore investment in farming, power, and jobs.

"Restarting this scheme will irrigate 3.5 lakh hectares and produce electricity – Pradeep Kumar Dongre, SDO Bhairamgarh"

Dantewada, June 18

In a significant push for development in the Bastar region, the Chhattisgarh government has announced the revival of the Bodhghat irrigation project under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai.

The project, planned on the Indravati River in Dantewada district, aims to provide permanent irrigation and generate electricity for the rural areas of Dantewada, Bijapur, and Sukma districts.

The ambitious project, which will come up at an estimated cost of around Rs 49,000 crore, is expected to transform agricultural prospects and boost economic activity across the region.

Speaking to ANI, Bhairamgarh Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Pradeep Kumar Dongre said, "... Restarting this scheme will be a welcome step because it will irrigate about 3.5 lakh hectares in Sukma, Bijapur, and Dantewada district and produce electricity."

"If a farmer's land, house, or agricultural area comes in the submergence area, the government will compensate for it... Therefore, the farmers should not oppose this scheme because it will be a big scheme for Chhattisgarh," he added.

Local businessman Narendra Nag highlighted the potential benefits for the regional economy. He told ANI, "... This could be a good initiative if the government implements this project honestly. This will provide electricity to the entire region, employment will increase, there is also a plan for fisheries, and the area under irrigation will increase... Local citizens and businessmen will also benefit from this..."

Earlier, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai had emphasised the immense potential of the tourism sector in the state, particularly in the Bastar and Surguja regions, and reiterated the government's commitment to eradicating Naxalism to pave the way for development and employment generation.

Speaking to the media, CM Sai had stated, "There was immense potential in the tourism sector in Chhattisgarh, especially in Bastar and Surguja... but the biggest hurdle was Naxalism, which the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister had resolved to eliminate... We were looking at tourism as an industry, that is, the provisions that were being given to the industrial sector would also be extended to the tourism sector, and a complete roadmap was being prepared for this."

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
This is a game-changer for Bastar! Finally, the tribal areas will get proper irrigation and electricity. Hope the government ensures transparent implementation and proper rehabilitation for affected families. Jai Chhattisgarh! 🙏
P
Priya M.
₹49,000 crore is a huge amount - hope this doesn't become another white elephant project. The government must ensure strict monitoring of funds and timely completion. The fisheries component sounds promising for local employment.
A
Amit S.
Good initiative but what about the environmental impact? Bastar has unique biodiversity. Hope they conduct proper EIA studies before proceeding. Development shouldn't come at the cost of nature.
S
Sunita T.
As someone from Raipur, I'm happy to see focus on Bastar's development. This region has been neglected for too long. The irrigation benefits could make Chhattisgarh a rice bowl again like in the old days! 🌾
V
Vikram J.
The tourism potential combined with this project could really transform Bastar. But security remains key - hope the Naxal issue is handled sensitively while ensuring safety for development works.
K
Kavita R.
Compensation for affected farmers must be fair and timely. We've seen too many projects where promises weren't kept. Otherwise, this could create more problems than solutions for local communities.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50