Economic activities in Bastar on rise: CM

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Saturday said there is a remarkable change in economic activity in Bastar. Earlier, there was no demand for opening of banks but now this has increased manifold.

Addressing the media at Kondagaon, the Chief Minister said if demand is made for more bank branches, it means that economic activities are on the increase in the tribal belt.

Apart from it, the use of ground water has also increased. It means the trend has gone up towards agriculture and irrigation.

Already, the state government is working to ensure availability of drinking water by installing taps in each house. The work needs to be expedited, he added.

Baghel said the tribal residents were given rights for forest resources and forest rights. Now, emphasis is being laid on planting more and more fruit bearing trees mainly linked to minor forest produce.

He said Gauthans were being converted into Rural Industrial Parks where various economic activities were being undertaken mainly involving women. Garments were being exported from Kondagaon. More units will come up soon.