Expansion of basic facilities and preservation of culture is the top priority of the government: Minister Kashyap

Raipur : Forest and Climate Change Minister Kedar Kashyap today said that along with the expansion of basic facilities, it is giving top priority to the conservation, restoration and promotion of ancient cultural heritage. Minister Kashyap today performed Bhoomi Pujan and inaugurated various development works worth Rs 5 crore 84 lakh 76 thousand in Bastar development block under Narayanpur assembly constituency. She participated in programs organized in Farsaguda, Sorgaon, Cherakur and Chhotealnar and presented development schemes to the villagers. A large number of villagers were present in the programs.

Kashyap said that maximum works worth Rs 4 crore 85 lakh 98 thousand have been approved for Cherakur Cluster. Among these, the construction of Cherakur to Kolebda road, built at a cost of Rs 4 crore 64 lakh 98 thousand, is prominent. This road will strengthen the connectivity of the area and ease the movement of villagers. Besides, Bhoomi Pujan was also performed for culvert construction works at various places for drainage and traffic improvement. Many important projects were also started in Sorgaon and Chhotealnar. In Sorgaon cluster, the works of installing cultural building in Kesharpal, cultural stage in Nayagudapara, community hall in Kucchiguda and high mask light in Baniyagaon have been approved at a cost of Rs 30 lakh 38 thousand. Similarly, construction of community buildings was started in Chhotaalnar, Dhavadguda, Manjhipara and Temruguda at a cost of Rs 50 lakh 50 thousand. To solve the drinking water problem of Gram Panchayat Chhotealnar, water tankers were also distributed. Bhoomipujan for culvert construction was performed in Deora and Taragaon.

The program started from Farsaguda, where construction works of courtyard at Anganwadi centre, Mandali building near Shivguri pond and culvert near Mata Mandir in Bhanpuri were started at a cost of Rs 17 lakh 90 thousand. Minister Kashyap said that expansion of basic facilities and preservation of culture in remote forest areas is the top priority of the government. Describing Cherakur-Kolabeda road as the basis of progress of the area, he said that this 4.80 kilometer long road will be helpful in connecting the villagers with the mainstream of development. He said that a culvert is also being constructed to improve drainage in Cherakur.

Forest Minister Kashyap said that cultural buildings and community buildings play an important role in promoting tribal culture and social harmony. Construction of these buildings in Sorgaon and Chhotealnar will boost social activities. At the end of the program, Minister Kashyap said that all the approved works will be completed within the stipulated time so that the villagers can get benefits soon. District Panchayat President Mrs. Vedwati Kashyap, District Panchayat President Santosh Baghel, District Panchayat member Nirdesh Diwan, public representatives, officers and employees of various departments and a large number of villagers were present in the program.