More Than 400 Villages in Bastar Revitalised Under Niyad Nellanar Yojana: Chief Minister Shri Sai

Narayanpur District Receives Development Projects Worth ₹351 Crore

Raipur, January 2026 : Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai said that the Niyad Nellanar Yojana has played a major role in reviving more than 400 villages in the Bastar region. He stated that with the decline of red terror, development activities that had been stalled for decades are now gaining momentum. He also highlighted the significant contribution of the Bastar Pandum festival in preserving tribal culture and traditional heritage.

The Chief Minister reached the district headquarters of Narayanpur during his two-day visit to Bastar, where he participated in several programmes and announced multiple development initiatives for the residents. Addressing a massive public gathering at the district-level Bastar Pandum event held at the high school ground, Shri Sai inaugurated and laid foundation stones for 357 development works worth ₹351 crore 49 lakh 45 thousand.

While addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that Chhattisgarh is moving steadily towards the complete elimination of red terror, which is accelerating development in previously affected areas. Due to Maoist activities, this region remained deprived of development for a long time, but new initiatives and innovations are now taking shape.

Shri Sai said that under the strong resolve of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, the state government is continuously working towards making the state Maoist-free. He informed that through the Niyad Nellanar Yojana, the reach of various welfare schemes and development activities has been ensured in more than 400 villages of Bastar. Surrendered Maoists are being provided skill development training to help them join the mainstream society and become self-reliant.

Reiterating his commitment to holistic development, the Chief Minister said that tourism, agriculture, and animal husbandry are being promoted to connect Bastar with all dimensions of development. He added that the state government is organising Bastar Pandum to preserve and promote tribal culture and traditional heritage, and appealed to people to stay connected with their tribal roots and civilisational values.

Announcement of Six Construction Works Worth ₹332 Crore

During the programme, the Chief Minister announced six major construction works with an estimated cost of ₹332 crore. These include the construction of a 125-kilometre-long road connecting Orchha–Ader–Lanka–Bedre–Kuturumamed in Narayanpur district at a cost of ₹250 crore. This road will connect Narayanpur with Bijapur district and link interior villages such as Eidwaya, Edjum, Ader, Kudmel, Dhodribeda, Jatlur, Dhobe, Dodimarka, Padmeta and Lanka.

He also announced surface strengthening work on the Rajnandgaon–Bailadila road (28 km) at an estimated cost of ₹34 crore, connecting Narayanpur with Dantewada district. Similarly, surface strengthening of the 28-km-long Narayanpur–Sonpur–Maroda road, costing ₹34 crore 12 lakh, was announced, which will connect the district up to the Maharashtra border and link villages like Brehbeda, Kurushnar, Basing and Sonpur.

Other announcements included the construction of a high-level bridge and approach road over Ghudsala Nala on the Brehbeda–Kandadi–Kihikad–Murnar–Becha road at a cost of ₹12 crore 42 lakh. Approval was also given for school buildings and setups for 10 alternative primary schools in the interior areas of Abujhmad, along with an ashram school building at Toke, to be constructed at a cost of ₹1 crore 6 lakh. Additionally, a playground will be developed at the district education hub in Garanji at a cost of ₹50 lakh.

Leaders Highlight Peace, Development and Cultural Preservation

Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap said that under the decisive leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, armed Maoist insurgency will be completely eliminated from the country by March 31, 2026. He expressed confidence that Narayanpur district will soon become Naxal-free and move steadily on the path of peace and prosperity.

Revenue Minister and district in-charge Minister Shri Tankram Verma said that the Chief Minister has gifted development works worth ₹351 crore to the district and that Chhattisgarh is touching new heights of progress under his leadership.

Earlier, Bastar MP Shri Mahesh Kashyap said that Bastar’s tribal culture and traditions have a unique identity across the world and need to be preserved by the younger generation. He thanked the Chief Minister for promoting tribal traditions through the 12 disciplines showcased at Bastar Pandum and for providing a platform to youth through initiatives like the Bastar Olympics.

Chief Minister Blesses Surrendered Maoist Couples

The Chief Minister also visited various stalls at Bastar Pandum, showcasing tribal cuisine, attire, jewellery and ancient heritage, and stressed the need for their preservation. Under the Chief Minister Kanya Vivah Yojana, he blessed four couples who had renounced Maoism and returned to the mainstream, wishing them a happy married life. He congratulated all the couples for joining the mainstream of society and extended his best wishes for their future.

The event was attended by the Chairman of the Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce Federation Shri Roopsai Salam, along with several public representatives, officials from Panchayati Raj and urban bodies, and a large number of citizens.