Raipur, April 9 (NationPress) Chhattisgarh's Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has underscored the notable advancements in the fight against Naxalism during his recent three-day trip to Delhi, where he engaged in discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP National President Nitin Nabin.

In conversations with reporters, CM Sai attributed the success in diminishing Naxalism in the area to Prime Minister Modi's leadership, the unwavering determination of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and the valor of the security forces.

Expressing gratitude on behalf of Chhattisgarh's citizens, he acknowledged the Prime Minister for this significant success. He specifically addressed the Bastar region, which has been marginalized in terms of development for close to four decades due to left-wing extremism.

He updated the Prime Minister on the government's ambitions to expedite progress in Bastar through the Bastar 2.0 development initiative. “While in Delhi, I discussed the Bastar 2.0 development initiative with Prime Minister Modi. With his support, our goal is to advance development in Bastar, improve agriculture, enhance the value of forest produce, and foster growth in animal husbandry, fish farming, tourism, and homestay projects. I am thankful to the Prime Minister and the people of Chhattisgarh, especially those from Bastar, who have long awaited development,” stated the Chief Minister.

The Bastar 2.0 plan aims to introduce infrastructure, job opportunities, and essential services to the tribal-majority area now that tranquility has been restored.

The Chief Minister’s visit to Delhi is regarded as a crucial move to secure central backing for transforming Bastar into an exemplar of inclusive growth.

Bastar, once heavily impacted by left-wing extremism, has shown remarkable improvements in its security landscape in recent years. With the near-total eradication of Naxal influence, the state government is now shifting its focus from security measures to expansive socio-economic advancements.

The Bastar 2.0 plan embodies the subsequent phase of this evolution, targeting the region to become a center for infrastructure, innovation, startups, tourism, and sustainable livelihoods for its largely tribal populace.

This initiative places a significant emphasis on modernizing agriculture through enhanced irrigation and progressive farming methods. Additionally, it aims to substantially increase the value of minor forest products such as tendu leaves and mahua by improving processing, packaging, and market access, thus raising income for local tribal families.

Moreover, the expansion of animal husbandry and fish farming is set to create more sustainable livelihood options in remote areas, according to the Chief Minister.

Tourism and homestay initiatives are pivotal components of the plan, with efforts directed towards showcasing Bastar’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, traditional arts, and festivals. This is anticipated to generate employment opportunities for local youth while providing economic benefits to villages.

The development strategy is guided by a fundamental plan to saturate basic services, enhance connectivity, facilitate growth, empower communities, and involve local residents in the developmental process.

During his meeting, the Chief Minister also covered major infrastructure initiatives, including the expansion of Jagdalpur airport, the progress of the Raoghat-Jagdalpur Railway Line, and the establishment of a super-specialty hospital and medical college in the region.

He has formally invited Prime Minister Modi to visit Bastar after the monsoon season to lay the foundation stones for several key projects.