Raipur, Feb 13: Chief Minister Vishnudeo Sai on Friday inaugurated the three-day Mainpat Festival in Surguja district, asserting that the event will play a major role in providing global visibility to the region’s unique culture and identity. On the occasion, the Chief Minister dedicated and laid the foundation stones for 109 development works worth approximately ₹523.20 crore for the district.
Among the key announcements, CM Sai sanctioned ₹1 crore for tourism development in Mainpat and declared the construction of a fully equipped bus stand in Sitapur. Addressing the gathering, he said the festival provides an essential platform to showcase Surguja’s traditions at national and international levels while offering local artists an opportunity to display their talent.
Referring to the Prime Minister’s vision, the Chief Minister said the state government is committed to inclusive development to build a “Developed Chhattisgarh.” He noted that under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, over 70 lakh women are receiving ₹1,000 every month, with more than ₹15,000 crore already transferred to their bank accounts. He further stated that the region is steadily moving towards freedom from Naxalism, praising the courage of the security forces.
During the inaugural ceremony, members of the local Tibetan community welcomed the Chief Minister with the traditional Tashi Shopa dance. The CM also visited various departmental stalls and distributed materials to beneficiaries under public welfare schemes.
Tourism Minister Rajesh Agrawal highlighted the continuous growth of tourism in the state, noting that the government is focusing on infrastructure and livelihood opportunities. He said the increasing footfall at scenic destinations like Mainpat is creating self-employment for local youth and women.
Local representatives, including MLA Ram Kumar Toppo and MLA Prabodh Minj, stated that the ₹523 crore development package would accelerate tourism and strengthen basic infrastructure in the region. Of the total package, foundation stones were laid for 81 works worth ₹429.11 crore, while 28 works worth ₹94.09 crore were inaugurated.