CM Vishnu Deo Sai Unveils Ambitious Tourism Mission to Give Chhattisgarh a New Global Identity

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai chairs a high-level review meeting of the Tourism Department at Mahanadi Bhawan in Raipur on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, in the presence of Tourism, Culture, Religious Trusts and Endowments Minister Rajesh Agrawal, Finance Minister O. P. Choudhary, Chief Secretary Vikas Sheel and senior government officials. The Chief Minister reviewed the proposed Mukhyamantri Paryatan Vikas Mission, including a ₹500-crore core fund, tourism infrastructure development, employment generation and initiatives to establish Chhattisgarh as a major national and international tourism destination. Photo:primelookindia.com via CG/DPR

₹500-crore mission fund proposed, with plans to mobilise over ₹1,000 crore through multiple funding sources; Chitrakote, Mainpat, Sirpur, Rajim and Hasdeo Bango to receive world-class facilities as Sai places local employment, tribal heritage and economic prosperity at the heart of tourism development.

Key Highlights

• Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai chairs high-level Tourism Department review meeting at Mahanadi Bhawan.
• ₹500 crore proposed as the core fund for Mukhyamantri Paryatan Vikas Mission.
• Plans to mobilise over ₹1,000 crore through PPP, CSR, Central schemes and departmental convergence.
• Major tourism destinations, including Chitrakote, Mainpat, Sirpur, Rajim and Hasdeo Bango, identified for priority development.
• Mission targets 1,000 new tourism entrepreneurs and participation of 250 women’s self-help groups.
• Tourist footfall targeted to double, with 12,000 additional accommodation rooms proposed.
• Four major and 15 mini tourism circuits planned across Chhattisgarh.
• Digital booking, multilingual tourism services and AI-based visitor assistance included in the development strategy.

Raipur: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has outlined an ambitious strategy to transform Chhattisgarh into a nationally and internationally recognised tourism destination, placing local economic prosperity, employment generation and the preservation of cultural heritage at the centre of the government’s proposed Mukhyamantri Paryatan Vikas Mission. Chairing a high-level review meeting of the Tourism Department at Mahanadi Bhawan on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, Sai directed officials to develop a comprehensive, result-oriented tourism ecosystem that would combine modern infrastructure, private investment, digital technology and community participation while preserving the state’s distinctive natural and tribal heritage.

Sai: Chhattisgarh’s Natural Beauty and Cultural Heritage Deserve Global Recognition

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai emphasised that Chhattisgarh possesses immense tourism potential because of its forests, waterfalls, historical monuments, archaeological heritage, religious destinations and vibrant tribal traditions.

He said these assets offer an opportunity to establish the state as a distinctive destination on India’s national and international tourism map.

Highlighting his government’s vision, Sai said:

“Chhattisgarh has immense tourism potential. Its natural beauty, rich tribal culture, historical and archaeological heritage, and centres of religious faith give the state a distinct identity. By promoting these attractions nationally and internationally, we aim to make tourism a strong foundation for the local economy, employment generation and regional development.”

The Chief Minister stressed that tourism should become an instrument of inclusive economic development rather than remain confined to destination promotion and infrastructure construction.

Tourism Must Bring Prosperity to Local Communities: Sai

Sai made it clear that the benefits of tourism development must directly reach people living around tourist destinations.

He emphasised the importance of involving young people, women, artisans, traditional artists and small business owners in the expanding tourism economy.

The Chief Minister said:

“Tourism development should not be limited to beautifying destinations or constructing infrastructure. Its benefits must directly reach local communities. Employment and self-employment opportunities should be created for young people, women, artisans, artists and small business owners living around tourist destinations.”

He directed officials to integrate traditional cuisine, handicrafts, folk art and local culture into tourism activities so that communities could develop sustainable sources of income.

Sai also identified “Prosperity Through Tourism” as the guiding principle of the proposed mission.

He said the objective was to create a tourism model that would connect visitors with Chhattisgarh’s natural and cultural attractions while ensuring maximum economic benefits for local residents.

₹500-Crore Mission Fund Proposed for Tourism Development

During the review meeting, Tourism Department Secretary P. Dayanand presented a detailed action plan prepared under the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board’s proposed Mukhyamantri Paryatan Vikas Mission.

The plan envisages a core mission fund of ₹500 crore for tourism development.

In addition, the department has prepared a strategy to mobilise more than ₹1,000 crore through public-private partnerships, Corporate Social Responsibility contributions, Central Government schemes and coordination among various departments.

The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure efficient utilisation of available financial resources and strengthen interdepartmental coordination.

He stressed that projects should be selected on the basis of their long-term usefulness, economic potential and ability to generate employment for local communities.

Chitrakote, Mainpat, Sirpur, Rajim and Hasdeo Bango to Receive Priority

The mission proposes major improvements at several of Chhattisgarh’s prominent tourism destinations.

In the first phase, Chitrakote Waterfall, Mainpat, Sirpur, Hasdeo Bango Reservoir and Rajim have been identified as high-impact tourism destinations.

Additional development is proposed at Mayali-Bagicha, Champaran, Satrenga, Tirathgarh, Devrani-Jethani, Kabir Chabutra, Kendai, Mahamaya and Chilphi Valley.

The government plans to improve road connectivity, drinking water facilities, modern toilets, organised parking, tourist assistance centres, digital information systems, first-aid services and security arrangements.

Development activities will also consider local architecture, cultural traditions and environmental characteristics.

The Chief Minister emphasised that tourism infrastructure must complement the identity of each destination rather than compromise its natural or cultural significance.

1,000 Tourism Entrepreneurs and 250 Women’s Groups to Benefit

A major component of the proposed mission is the creation of employment and self-employment opportunities within local communities.

The government has set a target of developing 1,000 new tourism entrepreneurs and involving 250 women’s self-help groups in tourism-related economic activities.

The plan also envisages training 600 hospitality and tourist assistance personnel, along with 500 tour guides and frontline workers.

Tourism-related activities such as homestays, local cuisine, handicraft production, cultural performances, transport services and visitor guidance will receive encouragement, particularly in rural and tribal areas.

The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure that local communities become active participants in tourism development.

He emphasised that expanding tourism should help young people secure livelihood opportunities within their home regions.

Sai Calls for Tourism That Protects Tribal Culture and Traditions

Chhattisgarh’s tribal heritage occupies a central position in the Chief Minister’s tourism development vision.

Sai said the state’s folk dances, traditional cuisine, handicrafts, artistic expressions and indigenous lifestyles represent an invaluable cultural inheritance.

He emphasised that these traditions must receive wider recognition without losing their authenticity or dignity.

The Chief Minister stated:

“Chhattisgarh’s tribal culture, folk art, folk dances, traditional cuisine, handicrafts and way of life are invaluable parts of our heritage. Tourism development must give these traditions wider recognition while preserving their originality and dignity.”

Special attention will be given to promoting the natural beauty and distinctive tribal culture of Bastar and Surguja among domestic and international visitors.

Religious, historical and archaeological destinations will also receive improved facilities to enhance the experience of devotees and tourists.

Mission Targets Doubling of Tourist Footfall

The proposed tourism mission aims to double tourist footfall at major destinations across Chhattisgarh.

Another objective is to increase the average duration of tourists’ stays to two days, encouraging visitors to explore more destinations and contribute to the local economy.

The government has prepared a plan to develop 12,000 additional accommodation rooms across the state.

Private investment in hotels, resorts, homestays and other hospitality facilities will be encouraged.

The mission also proposes between 10 and 20 public-private partnership projects, with a target of attracting at least ₹1,000 crore in private capital.

The anticipated investment is intended to support hospitality infrastructure, transport facilities, food services and related economic activities.

These measures are expected to strengthen local markets and expand livelihood opportunities in tourism-dependent areas.

Four Major and 15 Mini Tourism Circuits Planned

To provide visitors with more comprehensive travel experiences, the mission proposes the development of four major tourism circuits and 15 mini tourism circuits.

These circuits will connect natural, religious, historical, archaeological and tribal destinations across the state.

Approximately 15 to 20 wayside facilities and around 500 tourist signboards are planned along major tourism routes.

The Chief Minister said:

“Natural, religious, historical, archaeological and tribal tourism destinations should be connected through tourism circuits so that visitors can experience the diversity of Chhattisgarh more comprehensively during a single journey.”

The proposed circuits are intended to improve travel convenience, encourage longer stays and distribute tourism benefits across a wider geographical area.

Artificial Intelligence and Digital Services to Modernise Tourism

Digital technology will form another important component of the tourism mission.

The government plans to develop a multilingual tourism website, a mobile application, artificial intelligence-based tourist information services, digital booking facilities, online payment systems and real-time navigation support.

The objective is to provide visitors with reliable information about destinations, accommodation, transport, food, local attractions and essential services through integrated digital platforms.

Such facilities are expected to simplify travel planning and improve the visitor experience.

The initiative also seeks to strengthen Chhattisgarh’s ability to reach domestic and international travellers through modern digital channels.

Environmental Conservation Must Remain a Priority: Sai

Chief Minister Sai stressed that tourism development must not come at the cost of environmental protection.

He directed officials to ensure that development projects at natural tourist destinations respect local ecosystems and biodiversity.

Highlighting the importance of sustainable tourism, Sai said:

“Special attention must be given to environmental conservation and the principles of sustainable tourism. Development activities at natural tourist destinations should be undertaken in accordance with the local environment and biodiversity.”

The Chief Minister’s directions place environmental sustainability alongside infrastructure development and economic growth.

This approach is particularly important for Chhattisgarh, where forests, waterfalls, wildlife habitats and natural landscapes form a substantial part of the state’s tourism appeal.

High-Level Committees to Monitor Mission Implementation

The proposed mission provides for a high-level Steering Committee chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai.

A State-Level Executive Committee chaired by Chief Secretary Vikas Sheel will oversee implementation and coordination.

Projects will be executed in phases through cooperation among the Tourism, Public Works, Forest, Urban Administration, Panchayat and Rural Development, Industry, Skill Development and other departments.

Sai instructed officials to establish clear timelines, prioritise destinations and ensure that the action plan produces measurable results.

He emphasised that the government must focus on implementation and outcomes rather than merely preparing development proposals.

Sai’s Vision: Every Tourist Should Return with Memorable Experiences

Concluding the review, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai reiterated that Chhattisgarh should develop a tourism identity based on natural beauty, cultural richness, hospitality and sustainable economic opportunities.

He said:

“Our objective is to develop Chhattisgarh into a tourism destination where every visitor returns with memorable experiences of the state’s natural beauty, culture and warmth, while growing tourism activities become a source of prosperity for local communities.”

The Chief Minister maintained that the Mukhyamantri Paryatan Vikas Mission should establish tourism as an important driver of regional development.

By connecting infrastructure investment with employment generation, entrepreneurship, cultural preservation and environmental protection, the government aims to develop a tourism ecosystem capable of delivering lasting economic benefits.

The mission’s guiding principle, “Prosperity Through Tourism,” reflects the government’s intention to make local communities central beneficiaries of Chhattisgarh’s tourism growth.

Senior Ministers and Officials Attend Review Meeting

Tourism Minister Rajesh Agrawal and Finance Minister O. P. Choudhary attended the high-level review meeting.

Other participants included Chief Secretary Vikas Sheel, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Subodh Kumar Singh, Secretaries to the Chief Minister Rahul Bhagat and Prabhat Malik, Commerce and Industries Secretary Rajat Kumar, Tourism Secretary P. Dayanand, Environment Secretary Ankit Anand, Finance Secretary Rohit Yadav, Technical Education and Skill Development Secretary S. Bharathidasan, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Arun Pandey, Urban Administration Secretary Sonmoni Borah, Water Resources Secretary Rajesh Toppo and Chhattisgarh Tourism Board Managing Director Soumil Ranjan Chaubey.

Senior officials from the concerned departments also participated.

The meeting marked an important planning step towards positioning Chhattisgarh as a more competitive tourism destination while linking the sector’s expansion to the state’s broader economic development.