New Delhi: With the reduction in Naxal influence, the Chhattisgarh government has initiated several development projects, especially in the Bastar region. Two major mega projects have been proposed. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has discussed these projects in detail with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Once a Naxal-Dominated Region, Now a Site of Mega Projects
The government has undertaken two mega projects worth ₹49,000 crore. These include:
Bodhghat Dam Project – estimated at ₹29,000 crore
Mahanadi-Indravati River Linking Project – estimated at ₹20,000 crore
These projects are expected to provide irrigation to 7 lakh hectares of land, generate 125 MW of electricity, and support 4,824 tonnes of annual fish production.
Highlights:
Two mega projects worth ₹49,000 crore initiated
Discussion held between PM Modi and CM Vishnu Deo Sai
Concerns raised over potential reduction of water flow to Odisha
Development and Benefits:
Due to Naxal activities in the past, developmental works in Bastar were nearly impossible. Now, these projects will benefit several Naxal-affected districts like:
Mungeli, Rajnandgaon, Kawardha, Dantewada, Sukma, Bijapur, Kanker, and Narayanpur
They will also enhance drinking water supply, improve industrial water availability, and benefit 269 villages directly.
Environmental and Regional Concerns:
On the other hand, there are concerns that:
Around 10,440 hectares of land will be completely submerged
28 villages fully, and 794 villages partially, may be affected
The Indravati-Mahanadi River Linking Project will require approvals from the Central Water Commission, and the Ministries of Environment and Tribal Affairs.
The Bodhghat Dam will be built on the Indravati River, which flows 264 kilometers through Chhattisgarh. Connecting it to the Mahanadi River may result in reduced water flow to Odisha, particularly affecting Kalahandi and Nabarangpur, potentially leading to water scarcity.
Environmental consequences include:
Shrinking of wetlands
Rise in displacement issues
These factors highlight the need for careful environmental and regional planning before moving ahead with the project.
