PM Modi Launches Several Projects in Chhattisgarh Worth 26,000 Cr

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of several development projects worth more than 26 thousand crore rupees in Jagdalpur, the divisional headquarters of tribal Bastar division in Chhattisgarh. 

Key Highlights

• The NMDC's greenfield Steel Plant, established at Nagarnar in Bastar, was also dedicated to the nation by the Prime Minister. The integrated steel plant, built at about Rs 24 thousand crores, will produce high-quality steel. 
• It is expected to generate employment opportunities for thousands of people and put this tribal area on the steel map of the world. 
• During his visit, the Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for the upgradation of Jagdalpur Railway Station and dedicated the new rail line between Antagarh and Taroki, as well as the double rail line project between Jagdalpur and Dantewada. 
• He also flagged off the train service between Taroki and Raipur. These projects will improve rail connectivity in this tribal area and give impetus to the region's economic development. 
• Additionally, the Prime Minister dedicated the new road built between Kunkuri and Chhattisgarh-Jharkhand border on National Highway-45 to the nation.

About Bastar

Bastar is a district located in Chhattisgarh, with Jagdalpur serving as its headquarters and Bastar division. Previously known as Dakshin Kaushal, this region is renowned for its stunning forests and tribal culture, earning it the title of the state's cultural capital. 

• Most of the population in Bastar consists of tribal communities, such as the Gond, Maria, Muriya, Bhatra, Halba, and Dhruva groups. 
• The Indravati River, which originates in Orissa and spans approximately 240 km, flows through Dantewada and Bijapur before merging with Godavari near Bhadrakali. This river holds great significance to the people of Bastar, symbolizing their faith and devotion. 
• Jagdalpur is a significant cultural and handicraft centre showcasing historical and entertainment-related artifacts of Bastar's tribal communities at the Anthropological Museum in Dharampura. The Dancing Cactus Art Center is also noteworthy from Bastar's renowned art world. Moreover, the people of Bastar district are known for their rare artwork, liberal culture, and innate nature.
• Bastar's dense forests, high hills, waterfalls, caves, and wild beasts make it a prime destination for tourism. The prominent tourist sites are Bastar Mahal, Bastar Dussehra, Dalpat Sagar, Chitrakot waterfall, Tirathgarh waterfalls, Kutumasar, and Kailash caves. 
• Historically, Bastar belonged to the Dandakaranya region in the epic Ramayana and formed part of the Kosala kingdom in Mahabharata. The famous Danteshwari temple in Dantewada is named after the goddess Danteshwari, who still holds significance to the people of Bastar. 
• In 1948, the Bastar princely state was integrated with India during political unification.

Greenfield Project

A Greenfield Project is a project free from any constraints imposed by previous work. It is similar to constructing a building on a piece of land that has not been developed before, where there is no need to demolish or renovate existing structures. 

• A Greenfield Investment is an investment made in a physical company-related structure, like an office or manufacturing facility, in an area where no prior facilities exist. This name is derived from building a facility on a piece of "greenland, such as a forest or farmland. 
• Greenfield projects include brand-new power plants, airports, and factories constructed from scratch on undeveloped land. 
• Upgraded or modified facilities are referred to as Brownfield projects, as the pre-existing site or facilities may be contaminated or polluted.