Raipur, June 27, 2026: Deputy Chief Minister-Home of Chhattisgarh Vijay Sharma today stated that societal participation is paramount in the reconstruction of Bastar as it emerges free from Naxalism.
Addressing a meeting of ‘Sarva Adivasi Samaj’ (All-Tribal Community) leaders at the Zila Panchayat hall in Narayanpur today, Sharma emphasized that the community must unite and step forward to foster development, social harmony, the preservation of cultural heritage, and the enhancement of natural resources.
He noted that following the eradication of Naxalism, some individuals are attempting to spread misconceptions that forests will be felled or large-scale industries established. He urged community leaders to remain vigilant against such misleading propaganda and to provide accurate information to the public.
Sharma clarified that the responsibility for rebuilding Bastar now rests on the strong shoulders of its youth, and the government is fully committed to conservation, specifically of water, forests, and land, alongside development.
He observed that unnecessary conflict is arising within the community between those who adhere to tribal traditions and those who have moved away from them; this is not in the community’s best interest. Community leaders should step forward to resolve mutual discord and play an active role in maintaining social harmony.
The Deputy Chief Minister placed special emphasis on identifying and marking social sites and sacred tribal sites (Devsthals) in revenue records. He cited the example of the Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki district, where sacred sites are being successfully identified with the cooperation of the government and administration. He suggested that community leaders in Narayanpur should similarly form a committee to expedite the identification of social and religious sites and ensure their future preservation.
During the meeting, when community leaders raised the issue of preserving the ‘Garhiya Baba’ sacred site, Deputy Chief Minister Sharma immediately directed the concerned officials to arrange for the construction of a boundary wall and the installation of a tube well and solar lights. He stated that preserving centers of faith is a vital means of strengthening the community’s cultural identity.
Describing forest conservation as a shared responsibility of society, the Deputy Chief Minister emphasized the need for a widespread public awareness campaign to protect forests. He noted that if minor forest produce is collected and harvested using scientific methods, forests would remain protected, and villagers could earn higher economic returns compared to traditional farming. He urged community leaders to raise awareness about this matter in every village.
Sharma also stressed the need to promote organic farming. He remarked that adopting organic agriculture would improve personal health, maintain soil fertility, and boost farmers’ incomes through better market prices for organic produce.
Following the directives of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, he encouraged people to engage in cooperative milk production in Bastar.
To promote sustainable agriculture in the hilly regions of Abujhmad, the Deputy Chief Minister proposed organizing educational tours for groups of ten youths from the area to mountainous states like Uttarakhand, where they could learn modern farming techniques suitable for high-altitude terrain.
He also suggested developing ‘homestays’ to boost tourism in Abujhmad’s villages, thereby providing villagers with a new source of sustainable income.
During the meeting, community leaders apprised the Deputy Chief Minister of various social, cultural, and development-related issues and offered their suggestions. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma listened to everyone with seriousness and sensitivity, instructing the concerned officials to ensure the prompt and effective resolution of the issues raised.
He stated that a prosperous, safe, and self-reliant future for a Naxal-free Bastar could only be achieved through the coordinated efforts of the government and society.
Representatives of the Sarva Adivasi Samaj, Zila Panchayat Chairman Narayan Markam, Orchha Janpad Panchayat Vice-Chairman Mangluram Nareti, Municipal Council Chairman Indra Prasad Baghel, Chhote Dongar Sarpanch Sandhya Pawar, Inspector General of Police Sundarraj P., and Narayanpur Superintendent of Police Robinson Guria, along with senior officials from the district administration, police department, and other government departments, were present on the occasion.
