ETW Staff– Mumbai
With its rich bio-diversity, vibrant tribal culture and innumerable tourism opportunities, Chhattisgarh is rapidly emerging as one of the top tourism destinations on the national and international tourism map. The unique initiatives, new plans and schemes pertaining to the tourism development and related activities are getting support from Government of India. From less explored tourism destination to top 10 preferred tourism destination of the country, the state is now aiming high for the top tourism destination rank. The Central Government has recently assured all the required support to develop tourism as an effective means to combat Naxalism in Chhattisgarh. With special focus on Chitrakoot, Tirathgarh and Kutumsar caves, Chhattisgarh is chalking out plan to promote tourist destinations in the naxalite affected regions along with the development of Buddhist circuits and aggressive promotional strategies of world famous fairs and festivals.
Speaking on the various opportunities available to make tourism a profitable industry, Mahesh Sharma, union tourism for minister said, “The Centre will support Chhattisgarh State’s efforts to boost tourism to combat left-wing extremism (naxalism) in the State”. He instructed the Tourism Department officers to expedite the process of clearing all the projects related to Chhattisgarh. Taking a keen interest on Sirpur, Chitrakoot, Teerthgad and Kutumsar caves, he promised to upgrade the facilities very soon. Union tourism minister will be touring the Chhattisgarh in the coming months to visit the popular spots and development of tourism projects.
With 80 per cent bio-diversity and a mix of natural abundance, a major focus will be on promoting the rich and diverse tribal culture, unexplored tourism circuits and development of local-tourism collaboration, with which major milestones like job creation in tribal sectors and improved status of living can be achieved. Once implemented the go-getting tourism development plans will help in developing the essential eco-tourism in naxalite effected areas, and will enable Chhattisgarh build up as India’s biggest eco-tourism hub, one with probably the biggest potential in South-East Asia.
Ajay Chandrakar, minister of tourism and culture, Govt. of Chhattisgarh said, “Chhattisgarh is a vibrant state which now looks forward towards developing Tourism as one of its richest assets. Based on quality plans and forward looking measures, our aim is to take Chhattisgarh Tourism to millions of national and international tourists while grooming the state in welcoming new tourist arrivals. The state has immense potential to woo global tourists through Sirpur, Chitrakoot and other enchanting bio-diversity sites but require adequate publicity support from central govt on both national and global platform. We seek for a greater support from union ministry to publicise and provide platforms for these artists to display their unique talent in front of the world.”
Santosh Misra, managing director, Chhattisgarh Tourism Board said, “Our aim is to develop Chhattisgarh as India’s top tourist destination and one of the biggest eco-tourism hub. Thus enhanced tourism by ways of earmarked tourism plans will enable us to develop tourism in the state in a never-seen-before magnitude. With our future venture, we seek to see greater participation of the local community that will be the most focused tool to counter naxalism. We are confident to take the upcoming Sirpur Dance and Music Festival to newer heights by enhancing international visitors and participation especially from South Asian countries, where Buddhism is popular”
Chandrakar has also asked the central government to help in promotion of Bastar Dassehra, Chitrakoot waterfalls, Kutumsar caves and Kanger valley national. He has proposed a Buddhist circuit in Sirpur and asked for adequate publicity support to promote Sirpur Dance and Music festival on the global platform. He has also made a proposal to celebrate International Adivasi Mahotsav in year 2015. Chhattisgarh being one of the biggest tribal hubs of the country, the intent is to organise India’s first and biggest International Tribal Fest. This fest is aimed to bring together tribal components from across the state in terms of social living, food, culture and tradition and showcase it in a never seen before platform to the world.