Union Home Minister Says Bastar’s Natural Beauty, Waterfalls, Tribal Culture and Heritage Will Attract Tourists from Across India and Abroad
Raipur: Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah has expressed confidence that Chhattisgarh will emerge as one of India’s leading tourist destinations in the coming years, highlighting the state’s natural beauty, rich tribal heritage, waterfalls, forests and historical sites.
Addressing the concluding ceremony of the Chhattisgarh Rajyotsav celebrations, Shah said that the end of Naxalism would open up tremendous opportunities for tourism development across the state, particularly in the Bastar region.
He noted that Chhattisgarh has immense tourism potential, which remained underdeveloped for decades due to Naxal violence and security challenges. With peace and security conditions improving, the state is now better positioned to attract domestic and international tourists.
End of Naxalism to Open New Tourism Opportunities
Amit Shah said that Naxalism had prevented several regions, including Bastar, from fully developing their tourism potential.
With a stronger environment of peace and security, new opportunities are expected to emerge in tourism, industries, trade and employment.
He emphasised that tourism development would benefit local communities in several ways. It would create employment opportunities for young people, provide new markets for traditional handicrafts and local products, and strengthen rural and tribal economies.
The Home Minister highlighted the tourism potential of several prominent destinations, including:
- Chitrakote Waterfall: Known for its spectacular natural beauty and often described as the Niagara Falls of India.
- Tirathgarh Waterfall: A popular natural attraction located in the Kanger Valley region.
- Kanger Valley National Park: Famous for its dense forests, caves, biodiversity and scenic landscapes.
- Maa Danteshwari Temple: One of the most important religious and cultural centres of Bastar.
- Maa Bamleshwari Temple: A major pilgrimage destination in Chhattisgarh.
- Bastar Dussehra: A world-renowned cultural festival showcasing the region’s unique tribal traditions.
Shah said these destinations have enormous potential to attract visitors from across the country and overseas.
Bastar’s Tribal Culture Can Gain Global Recognition
Highlighting the cultural richness of Chhattisgarh, Shah said the state’s folk traditions, tribal customs and natural diversity are among its greatest strengths.
He particularly emphasised Bastar’s traditional attire, cuisine, folk dances, handicrafts and indigenous cultural practices, which have the potential to gain international recognition.
He also referred to events such as Bastar Pandum and Bastar Olympics, saying these initiatives are helping showcase tribal culture, sporting talent and traditional lifestyles to a wider audience.
Chhattisgarh’s traditional art forms, including Panthi, Pandavani, Raut Nacha, Karma and Saila dances, can further strengthen the state’s cultural tourism appeal.
According to Shah, promoting these traditions alongside natural attractions will help Chhattisgarh establish a distinctive identity on India’s tourism map.
Chhattisgarh Moving Towards Peace, Development and Prosperity
The Union Home Minister said that Chhattisgarh was moving beyond the atmosphere of fear and violence associated with Naxalism towards a new phase of peace, development and prosperity.
He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and the efforts of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai for opening new avenues of development in the state.
Recalling the economic challenges faced by Chhattisgarh in the past, Shah said there was once a perception that the state was rich in natural resources, but its people remained poor.
He expressed confidence that the situation would change significantly over the next decade.
“Over the next ten years, not only will Chhattisgarh’s land prosper, but its people will also become prosperous and happier,” Shah said, describing it as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for the state.
State Decoration Awards Presented at Rajyotsav
The concluding ceremony of Chhattisgarh Rajyotsav also featured the presentation of the State Decoration Awards.
Amit Shah honoured distinguished individuals and institutions for their outstanding contributions in various fields.
On the occasion, he also released the 33rd instalment of the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, a flagship welfare initiative of the Chhattisgarh government.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s Vision Behind Chhattisgarh’s Formation
Paying tribute to former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Shah recalled that Chhattisgarh was established as a separate state in 2000 under his leadership.
He said the creation of Chhattisgarh was the result of Vajpayee’s vision, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government was working to strengthen and develop the state.
Shah’s remarks at the Rajyotsav concluding ceremony highlighted the growing importance of tourism as a driver of economic growth, employment generation and cultural preservation.
With its natural landscapes, waterfalls, forests, wildlife, religious destinations and vibrant tribal traditions, Chhattisgarh has the potential to become one of India’s most attractive tourism destinations in the years ahead.
The S Bharat | Chhattisgarh News
