Development works worth Rs 225 cr for Chhattisgarh

Development works with an estimated cost of Rs 225 crore have been sanctioned for seven districts, across Bastar region, which are Naxal affected.

"A master plan has been drafted to provide intensive employment to the youth in the seven Naxal-affected districts of Bastar division," a state government spokesperson said. The state government is laying stress on horticulture, animal husbandry and fisheries to make it viable, financially, to the deprived sections of the society.

Stress is laid on developing irrigation facilities in Bastar region. Chhattisgarh's agriculture and water resources minister Brijmohan Agrawal toured the seven districts during the three-day "Lok Suraaj" campaign. He laid foundation stones and performed 'Bhoomipujan' of development works worth Rs 225 crore.

Agrawal called upon the farmers to go for animal husbandry, fish rearing, horticulture and other allied activities to increase their income. He instructed the district officers to test the soil and guide the farmers accordingly for taking crop. A fruit-vegetable market and a cold storage had been proposed in Narayanpur district headquarters.

The state government has also sanctioned fund for building stop dams at Bakulwahi, Cheribeda stop-dam and a water reservoir in Benoor. Agrawal sanctioned Rs 14 crore 84 lakh for three irrigation schemes at Dantewada-Phoolpahad water reservoir, Dantewada diversion and Kundeli Scheme.

Asserting that the guavas produced in Bastar have been in great demand in Andhra Pradesh, Agrawal called upon the farmers to grow new species of guavas and increase their earning. He added that Dantewada district would be developed as organic farming region. The district will get an identity as organic farming district in the coming years. A three-year master plan has been prepared for the same.

Irrigation projects, with an estimated cost of Rs 16.90 crore, would be implemented in Bijapur district. The minister sanctioned 31 projects worth Rs 80.55 crore for South Bastar Kanker district. The projects include minor and medium irrigation schemes.