Chhattisgarh News: The exhibition of Forest and Climate Change Department got the first prize in the category of departmental exhibitions in the Rajyotsav 2026 organized in Nava Raipur on the occasion of the 26th anniversary of the establishment of Chhattisgarh state. Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai presented this award at the conclusion of Rajyotsav and state investiture ceremony on 4th November. On behalf of the department, Additional Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Pingua and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Forest Force Chief Arun Kumar Pandey received the honour. Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap congratulated the officers, employees and members associated with Van Dhan Kendras.
The theme of this exhibition prepared under the guidance of the Forest Minister was 'Changing Bastar – Sanvarta Chhattisgarh'. In this, initiatives of forest and wildlife conservation along with peace in Bastar, increasing tourism, employment and livelihood opportunities were shown.
Bastar's culture and tourism become main attractions
The exhibition was divided into two parts. Models of Tribal Gaurav Vatika of Jagdalpur, Chendru Gate of Indravati Tiger Reserve of Bijapur and Forest Temple of Dantewada were made at the entrance. These showed tribal culture, faith in nature and the tradition of co-existence with wildlife.
In the 'Balta Bastar' section, the initiative of Tungal Cafe located at Tungal Dam in Sukma was special. Here former women Naxalites who have returned to the mainstream run cafes and local youth get employment by providing sailing and kayaking facilities to tourists. Apart from this, models of homestay of Dhudmaras village, eco-cottage of Pushpal valley of Kondagaon, Tirathgarh waterfall and Mattimarka area of Indravati Tiger Reserve were displayed. Dhudmaras has been selected in the 'Best Tourism Villages Upgrade Programme' of the United Nations Tourism Organisation.
In the exhibition, information was also given about the renovation of 572 Devgudis, employment of 21.67 lakh man days under MNREGA and direct employment to 200 local youth from 35 safari gypsies in Kanger Valley.
Wildlife conservation and elephant management initiatives
In the 'Samvarta Chhattisgarh' section, the biodiversity and conservation works of the state were shown through models and live demonstrations. These included the declaration of Kopra Reservoir as the state's first Ramsar site in December 2025, translocation of black bucks to Baranwapara sanctuary after decades and vulture conservation efforts in Aurapani. The resettlement of black bucks was also praised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 'Mann Ki Baat'.
'Gajrath Yatra' awareness campaign and 'Gaj Sanket' app to reduce elephant-human conflict were also displayed. The app sends information about elephant movement to villagers through voice calls, SMS and WhatsApp. Under the tree plantation campaign, 'One Tree in the Name of Mother' campaign, information was given to plant 3.50 crore saplings in 2024 and 3.55 crore saplings in 2025. Under Kisan Vriksha Mitra Yojana, 36,896 farmers planted 3.67 crore saplings in 62,441 acres.
Digital technology and forest products also attracted attention
QR code based wildlife quiz, interactive games, 360 degree virtual reality, light-sound effects and selfie point remained the center of attraction for the audience, especially the youth. Through QR code, visitors can get information about forestry schemes and eco-tourism sites on the department's website.
Bamboo houses, boats, lanterns and decorative items made by rural artisans were sold at the Joint Forest Management stall. Products like Van Madhu, Safed Musli, Triphala Churna, Aloe Vera Shampoo and Mahabhringraj Oil were displayed at the 'Chhattisgarh Herbals' stall. The State Medicinal Plants Board said that by cultivating singi and asparagus in home gardens, rural women can get additional income of Rs 20 to 30 thousand annually.