CULTURAL MINISTER

The Chhattisgarh Tourism Board (CTB) is keeping its objective as to put the tribal-dominated state on the country's tourism map as the biggest eco-tourism hub by highlighting its exquisite

natural beauty and varied flora and fauna.

The Board under the leadership of Cultural Minister has created a blueprint for future tourism which aims to develop Chhattisgarh as a eco-tourism destination with greater participation of

local communities.

Chhattisgarh has the rich natural resources contributing upto 44 per cent of forest cover which is a boon for eco-tourism. Therefore the enhanced tourism plans will enable the state to be developed as

a major tourism hub.

For developing the state of Chhattisgarh as India's biggest eco-tourism hub, there must be greater participation of the local community that will be the most focused tool to counter Naxalism.

The Board has recently got Rs 113.5 crore project prioritisation from Union Ministry of tourism. A large amount will be used in eco tourism projects. Initially focus will be on Gangrel Dam, which is considered the largest water body in the state and promoting Sirpur-Kodar-Raipur-Tandula as an ecotourism circuit.

Besides, archaeological sites of Sirpur and at Bhoramdeo, popularly known as Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh, will also be developed along with focus on rural tourism and promotion of fairs and festivals.

According to the State's Tourism and Culture Minister Ajay Chandrakar, Chhattisgarh is a vibrant state which now looks forward towards developing tourism as one of its richest assets. The tourism

board would prioritise and promote state's rich and diverse tribal culture along with unexplored tourism circuits.

The Cultural Minister put forth demands for greater cooperation from the Central Government in ways of infrastructure support and funds with which the state aims to develop its tourism development activities. He also wants the development of the country’s biggest tribal hub in Chhattisgarh where the intent is to

organise India’s first and biggest International Tribal Fest.

For more details, visit:

http://www.ajaychandrakar.com/