- Jashpur receives major tourism development gift under Swadesh Darshan Yojana 2.0
- Modern tourist facilities including homestays, resorts, pathways, landscaping to be developed
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai today performed the ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony for the Mayali-Baghicha Development Project, approved under the CBDD sub-scheme of the Government of India’s Swadesh Darshan Yojana 2.0, at the Mayali Nature Camp. Implemented at a cost of approximately ₹10 crore, this project will develop various tourism facilities in Mayali, the world-famous Madheshwar Mountain (the world’s largest natural Shivalinga), and the Kailash Cave area in Bagicha.This project will strengthen community-based tourism while preserving the region’s natural, cultural, and tribal heritage. This will create new employment opportunities for local youth and establish Jashpur district as a major tourist destination.On this occasion, Chief Minister Shri Sai, while congratulating the residents of the area, said that the Mayali-Bagichha Development Project is a historic initiative for the tourism development of Jashpur district. Today, a strong foundation has been laid for the development of Mayali. Mayali is now rapidly emerging on the tourism map and will develop into a global tourist destination in the future.The Chief Minister said that Mayali has been associated for centuries with Madheshwar Mahadev, considered the world’s largest natural Shivalinga. Through this development project, the religious and tourism significance of Madheshwar Mountain will be recognized nationally and internationally. Under the project, a tourist resort and skill development center will be constructed near the Mayali Dam.He said that Mayali will be developed as a comprehensive eco-tourism and adventure destination. Its forests, waterfalls, mountains, and rich tribal culture will be showcased to tourists from across the country and the world. Local people will directly benefit from the income generated from tourism. Mr. Sai stated that for this purpose, the state government has implemented a home-stay policy, which will enable rural families to earn income by directly engaging in tourism activities, and tourists will have the opportunity to experience the local culture.The Chief Minister stated that this project has brought new opportunities for the youth of the region. The Skill Development Center will provide training in tour guiding, hotel services, adventure sports, handicrafts, and digital booking. This will not only provide national and international recognition to tourism but also to the social and cultural diversity of Jashpur.Development projects will transform Mayali’s image, and a new tourist hub will emerge.The Mayali area will be developed as a comprehensive destination for natural, religious, and rural tourism. Under the project, five tourist cottages, a conference and convention hall, a skill development center, a grand entrance gate, boundary walls, modern toilet facilities, landscaping, and pathways will be constructed. These facilities will improve tourist accommodation and various events, and will create employment opportunities.To strengthen religious tourism, the Shiva temple area will be developed with entrance gates, toilet facilities, landscaping, and pathways. At the Kailash Cave complex in Bagicha, the entrance gate, picnic spots, resting sheds, ghat development, pathways, stairs, and railings will be renovated, providing a safe and convenient experience for tourists.All of this work will be carried out through the Mayali-Bagicha Development Project, approved under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2.0, operated by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. The project’s completion is expected to increase tourism activities, strengthen the local economy, and give the region’s cultural and natural identity a national recognition.Chief Minister Shri Sai’s wife, Smt. Kaushalya Sai, Vice-Chairperson of the Surguja Area Tribal Development Authority and Pathalgaon MLA Smt. Gomti Sai, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board, Shri Neelu Sharma, Chairpersons of various boards and corporations, public representatives, administrative officials, and a large number of villagers were present on the occasion.