CHHATTISGARH TO DEVELOP TOURISM TO COMBAT NAXALISM
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Chhattisgarh is rapidly emerging as one of the top tourism destinations on the national and international tourism map and its unique initiatives, new plans and schemes pertaining to the tourism development and related activities are getting support from Government of India. The Central Government has recently assured all the required support to develop tourism as an effective means to combat Naxalism in Chhattisgarh. With a special focus on Chitrakoot, Tirathgarh and Kutumsar caves, Chhattisgarh is chalking out a 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 Minister said, “The Centre will support the 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. He will be touring the Chhattisgarh State in the coming months to visit the popular spots and development of tourism projects.
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. The vibrant art and cultural artists of the State has immense potential to mesmerise the global audience. 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.”
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.
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. By strengthening tourism through organised and responsible decisions, our aim is to empower the region and showcase it in a positive light to the world. Also we seek to create vistas of awareness for the international tourists whom we seek to attract with our engaging packages and specially designed tourism junkets. 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.”