Introduction

Chhattisgarh, a 21st century State, came into being on November 1, 2000. Larger than Tamil Nadu, it is fortunate to have a low population density. Good Governance is the highest priority in this Fast Track State. There is both policy stability as well as political stability. Government has been kept small and the State is in excellent fiscal health. Chhattisgarh is truly a land of opportunities. With all major minerals including diamonds in abundance, it is the richest State in mineral resources. There are mega industries in Steel, Aluminium and Cement. Chhattisgarh contributes substantially to the Human Resources of India. Bhilai, the knowledge capital of the State, alone sends over 50 students to the elite Indian Institutes of Technology every year. A unique Private Universities Act has been passed to attract investments in quality higher-education. Its large power surplus is attracting power-intensive industries, and the State is poised to become the power-hub of the nation. Its central location helps easy power transmission to any part of the country. The State is supplying power to Delhi ,Gujarat and Karnataka, among others. Chhattisgarh ranks high in terms of good industrial relations and labour productivity. There has been no labour unrest in either Bhilai or Korba, the Power capital, for several decades. 12% of India's forests are in Chhattisgarh, and 44% of the State's land is under forests. Identified as one of the richest bio-diversity habitats, the Green State of Chhattisgarh has the densest forests in India, rich wildlife, and above all, over 200 non-timber forest products, with tremendous potential for value addition. One third of Chhattisgarh's population is of tribes, mostly in the thickly forested areas in the North and South. The central plains of Chhattisgarh are known as the "Rice Bowl" of Central India. Female literacy has doubled in the last decade, and male literacy is higher than India's average. Gender ratio is next only to Kerala. Chhattisgarh, situated in the heart of India, is endowed with a rich cultural heritage and attractive natural diversity. The State is full of ancient monuments, rare wildlife, exquisitely carved temples, Buddhist sites, palaces, water falls, caves, rock paintings and hill plateaus. Most of these sites are untouched and unexplored and offer a unique and alternate experience to tourists compared to traditional destinations which have become overcrowded. Chhattisgarh offers the tourist a Destination with a Difference. With 12% share of India's forests, Chhattisgarh's 3 National Parks and 11 Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks are a major attraction. The State encourages development of pilgrimage centres. Rajim, Champaranya, Dongargarh, Sheorinarayan, Girodhpuri, Dantewada, Ratanpur, Sirpur and others are prime destinations for pilgrim tourism. Sirpur and Dongargarh would be part of the wider Buddhist tourist circuit.

The City of Bhilai with its modern and cosmopolitan lifestyle is just 30 km from Raipur, the State capital. A new world-class capital city is to come up near Raipur's airport. Raipur is at the centre of the rail and road routes between Mumbai and Kolkata, and is well connected to Delhi and Chennai. Bilaspur's Railway Division is the most profitable Railway operation in the country, contributing 17% of the revenues of Indian Railways.

Districts of Chhatisgarh

Bastar, Bilaspur, Dantewada (South Bastar), Dhamtari, Durg, Janjgir-Champa, Jashpur, Kanker (North Bastar), Kawardha, Korba, Koriya (Korea), Mahasamund, Raigarh, Raipur, Rajnandgaon, and Surguja.



Location of Chhatisgarh