Raipur: Groundwater conservation gains momentum with 'More Village More Water Campaign';
587 loose boulder check dams and 37 gabion structures constructed in Surguja;
rainwater harvesting will increase groundwater levels, providing relief to farmers in irrigation and drinking water to villagers

Raipur. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai, extensive water conservation work is being carried out in Surguja district under the 'More Gaon More Pani Maha Abhiyan', which is being run with the aim of giving the shape of a mass movement to water conservation and groundwater enrichment in the state. Through Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MNREGA), 587 loose boulder check dams and 37 gabion structures have been constructed in all seven development blocks of the district to ensure groundwater recharge by stopping rainwater in the villages itself. Most of the work has been completed, while the remaining work is in the final stage, so that maximum rainwater harvesting can be ensured this monsoon.

Loose boulder check dams have been approved for 122 projects in the Ambikapur development block of the district, 107 in Lundra, 16 in Sitapur, 34 in Batauli, 136 in Mainpat, 46 in Udaipur, and 126 in Lakhanpur. These structures have been constructed in drains and watercourses, allowing rainwater to be captured and slowly absorbed into the ground. This will increase the groundwater level and ensure that water sources like wells, hand pumps, and borewells remain hydrated for a long time.

'Gabion structures proving effective in fast-flowing areas':
Gabion structures are constructed from stones packed in a strong iron mesh, which remain firmly in place even in fast-flowing streams. They are more durable than typical loose boulder check dams and can adjust to conditions without damage, even with slight subsidence. Rainwater retained in these structures for two to three days allows a greater amount of water to be absorbed into the ground, which accelerates groundwater recharge and effectively controls soil erosion.

"Low-Cost, Durable Structures and Local Employment":
Loose boulder check dams and gabion structures, constructed from locally available stones and limited resources, are low-cost. They use minimal cement and sand, reducing construction costs. These projects, implemented through MNREGA, provide employment to a large number of rural workers within the village. Once constructed, these structures require minimal maintenance and play an effective role in water conservation for years.

"Water conservation will strengthen agriculture and drinking water systems":
The construction of these water conservation structures will increase the availability of irrigation water for Kharif, Rabi, and summer crops. Wells and hand pumps that dry up during the summer season will also have water available for a longer period, alleviating the drinking water crisis in rural areas. The "More Village, More Water" campaign, aimed at groundwater conservation, increased agricultural productivity, and environmental protection, is emerging as a strong foundation for water security in Surguja district. The district administration has appealed to citizens and farmers to actively participate in this public campaign for rainwater conservation and to be vigilant about water resources conservation, ensuring the preservation of water resources for future generations.

Construction of 270 livelihood ponds completed, water conservation and irrigation facilities boosted
Pulses, oilseeds and fisheries to be promoted, rural economy to be strengthened

Raipur. Construction of 270 livelihood ponds completed, boosting water conservation and irrigation facilities. By transforming water conservation into a mass movement, the Mungeli district administration has achieved a significant milestone in rural development and agricultural prosperity. Under the continuous guidance of VBG Ramji Commissioner Taran Prakash Sinha and the direction of Collector Kundan Kumar, the construction of 270 livelihood ponds has been successfully completed in the district. This initiative will prove to be a milestone in providing additional irrigation facilities to farmers, promoting water conservation, and making the rural economy self-reliant. Rainwater will be scientifically harvested in livelihood ponds, ensuring long-term water availability in the fields. This will increase irrigation capacity, boost crop production, and provide farmers with year-round water for agriculture and other livelihood activities.

Collector Kundan Kumar stated that the district administration's objective is not merely to build structures, but to provide farmers with a strong foundation for long-term livelihoods. Efforts such as water conservation, irrigation expansion, fisheries, and crop diversification will play a crucial role in making farmers self-reliant. These ponds will conserve rainwater and store it near fields. Water that previously flowed into drains and rivers will now be available for irrigation, groundwater recharge, and agricultural use. This will improve groundwater levels and provide relief from the water crisis.

The water available in the ponds will provide timely irrigation to pulses and oilseed crops. This will increase the production of gram, lentils, pigeon pea, green gram, black gram, mustard, sesame and other crops. It will also encourage crop diversification, which will increase the income of farmers and reduce natural risks. In ponds where sufficient water will be available throughout the year, fish farming can also be done using scientific methods. This will provide additional source of income to the farmers, nutritious food to the villagers and new employment opportunities will be developed at the local level.

Raipur: The Prime Minister's Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana has given a boost to agriculture.
The 23rd installment has made Kharif preparations easier. Farmer Dilesh Kumar Kashyap expressed his gratitude.

Raipur. The PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana is playing a vital role in empowering agriculture by providing financial support to farmers. The direct financial assistance provided under the scheme is ensuring timely availability of resources required for agricultural work, thereby reducing the cost of farming and also helping in increasing production. Farmer Dilesh Kumar Kashyap, resident of village Jarve under Baloda development block of Janjgir-Champa district, is also among the farmers benefiting from this scheme. After receiving the 23rd installment of the Prime Minister Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, he has completed the preparations for the Kharif season on time.

Kashyap explained that he uses the funds received under the scheme to meet the essential needs of farming and his garden. This assistance allows him to purchase improved seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and other agricultural inputs on time. He also arranges for the necessary materials for vegetable production in his garden. Timely availability of agricultural inputs improves sowing and crop management, leading to increased production and increased income.

He said that the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana is proving extremely useful for farmers. It has reduced the financial burden of farming, and agricultural work is being completed on time without any financial constraints. Dilesh Kumar Kashyap expressed his gratitude to PM Modi and CM Sai for this public welfare scheme implemented in the interest of farmers.

Governance Reforms, Tourism, AI, Agriculture and District-Led Growth Take Centre Stage at Two-Day Chintan Shivir 3.0

Raipur, The two-day Chintan Shivir 3.0, jointly organised by the Department of Good Governance & Convergence and IIM Raipur, concluded with a focus on formulating a long-term strategy for Viksit Chhattisgarh, strengthening good governance and enhancing administrative capacity to meet future challenges. Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, members of the Council of Ministers, senior officials, policy experts and academicians deliberated on governance, technology, agriculture, tourism and development-oriented politics.

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai said Chintan Shivir has evolved from a forum for exchanging ideas into an effective platform for governance reforms. He said the State Government remains committed to building a modern, transparent, technology-driven and citizen-centric administration, adding that recommendations from Chintan Shivir 3.0 will soon be translated into policy and administrative initiatives to accelerate the journey towards Viksit Chhattisgarh.

Highlighting the outcomes of the previous two editions, Shri Sai said the government has already implemented key reforms, including the e-Office system for faster and transparent file disposal, the CM Helpline 1076 for prompt grievance redressal, and Sewa Setu, which has brought over 520 online services across 36 departments, making public service delivery simpler, more accessible and transparent.

During the tourism session, senior IAS officer and tourism policy expert Shri Suman Billa said Chhattisgarh has the potential to emerge as India’s leading high-value, low-impact tourism destination, particularly through nature, tribal and cultural tourism. He stressed tourism infrastructure, community participation, investment, responsible tourism and stronger Centre-State coordination, especially for promoting Bastar on the national and international tourism map. The State’s Industrial Policy can also play a significant role in giving fresh momentum to tourism investment.

Speaking on development-oriented politics through*Sabka Prayas*,Lok Sabha MP Shri Shashank Mani Tripathi advocated a district-centric development model, describing the district as the “Fulcrum of Growth.” He proposed district-specific development plans, District GDP-based planning, and concepts such as Amrit Prayas and the Banyan Revolution to boost entrepreneurship, employment, agricultural transformation and local innovation, particularly in Tier-2 and Tier-3 regions.

In the valedictory session, Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe shared his views on good governance, policy implementation, leadership development and public administration under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

The conclave also featured sessions by spiritual thinker Gaur Gopal Das on ethical and value-based leadership; NITI Aayog member Prof. Abhay Karandikar on artificial intelligence, digital public infrastructure, 5G, drones, geospatial technology, blockchain and data-driven governance; and agricultural experts Dr. Ramesh Chand *and *T. Vijay Kumar on natural farming, climate-resilient agriculture, crop diversification, value addition, modern technology and market linkages to enhance farmers’ incomes and strengthen the rural economy.

The recommendations emerging from Chintan Shivir 3.0 reinforced Chhattisgarh’s long-term vision in line with the national goal of Viksit Bharat 2047.

The impact of the government's public welfare schemes on the ground; the PM Janman Awas and Mahatari Vandan Yojana have provided tribal families with safe homes, financial support, and a dignified life.

Raipur: When the benefits of the government's public welfare schemes reach the last person, they become not just a scheme but a new story of transformation in a family's life. The life of Mrs. Sarita Baiga of Pandripani village in the Gaurela development block of the Pendra Marwahi district is an inspiring example. With the integrated benefits of the Pradhan Mantri Janman Awas Yojana and the Mahatari Vandan Yojana, her family is today moving forward on a new path of secure housing, financial support, and a respectable life.

Sarita Baiga's family previously lived in a mud house. The onset of the monsoons brought increased anxiety to the family. Water leaked from the thatched roof, dampness filled the walls, and additional expenses were incurred each year for roof repairs and tile replacement. Staying safe during the rainy season with young children was also a major challenge.

As a result of the effective implementation of public welfare schemes in the state under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, Sarita Baiga's family was granted a permanent home under the PM Janman Awas Yojana. Through the coordinated efforts of the Gram Panchayat, Janpad Panchayat, and Rural Development Department, the scheme's benefits were delivered on time, and today her family lives in a strong, safe, and well-equipped permanent home.

The new housing has not only transformed their living arrangements, but also instilled a sense of confidence and security in the entire family. Now, the rainy season brings them relief and comfort, not worry. The children are studying in a safe environment, and the family is living a life of dignity.

Sarita Baiga also regularly receives monthly financial assistance under the state government's Mahtari Vandan Yojana. This amount helps meet the family's daily expenses, children's needs, and household needs. This has strengthened the family's financial situation and led to a positive shift towards self-reliance.

Sarita Baiga says that she never imagined her family would live in a permanent home. Today, government programs have made her dreams come true. Expressing gratitude to Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai and the state government, she says that the government's public welfare programs have provided her family with secure housing, financial support, and the assurance of a better future.

The Rural Development Department, the District Panchayat of Gaurela, the Gram Panchayat, and related field staff played an active role in the effective implementation of the PM Janman Awas Yojana in the village of Pandripani. The transparent and timely implementation of the schemes is benefiting eligible beneficiaries, leading to significant improvements in the living standards of rural families, including those from Special Backward Tribes.

This story of Sarita Baiga is a proof that effective implementation of government schemes not only provides basic amenities but also brings about lasting change in the lives of poor and deprived families by providing them respect, security and a new direction of development.

The two-day Ministerial Contemplation Camp was organized jointly by the Department of Good Governance and Convergence, Government of Chhattisgarh, and IIM Raipur. This is being held for the third consecutive year.

Scholars from across the country come to lecture on various topics and share their views on issues such as good governance, transparent and accountable governance. The state has benefited greatly from the Chintan Shivirs held over the past two years.

-Shri Vishnu Dev Sai,
Chief Minister, Chhattisgarh

Discussions on digital governance, emerging technologies, agricultural prosperity and leadership development

Previous Chintan Shivirs resulted in innovations like e-Office, Chief Minister Helpline 1076 and Seva Setu

Raipur: The objective of Chintan Shivir 3.0 is to prepare a strong foundation for visionary policy-making for a developed Chhattisgarh by making governance and administration more effective, modern, transparent and people-friendly. Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai said that the Chief Minister, members of the Council of Ministers and eminent experts of the country said this while extensively brainstorming on various dimensions of governance in the two-day Cabinet Chintan Shivir organized under the joint aegis of the Department of Good Governance and Convergence and IIM Raipur at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Raipur.

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the Chintan Shivir is not just a forum for discussion, but has also become a medium for continuous improvement and innovation in the work culture of governance. The government has effectively implemented the suggestions received from the last two editions, the positive results of which are clearly visible in the state's administrative system today. He said that the primary objective of this camp is to move forward by focusing on technology, transparency, accountability, and public concerns in governance.

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that on the first day of Chintan Shivir 3.0, detailed sessions were held on important topics such as leadership development, good governance, emerging technologies, and agricultural prosperity. Renowned spiritual thinker Gaur Gopal Das shared his views on leadership, emotional balance, service, and the moral responsibilities of public representatives. He described value-based leadership and sensitive administration as the most important requirements for effective good governance.

Addressing the session on "Emerging Technologies," NITI Aayog Member Prof. Abhay Karandikar elaborated on the potential for making governance more efficient, transparent, and citizen-centric through artificial intelligence (AI), digital public infrastructure, 5G, drones, geospatial technology, blockchain, and data-driven governance. He also discussed the opportunities available to Chhattisgarh for technology-enabled service delivery, innovation, job creation, and digital inclusion.

In the agriculture-themed session "Prosperity through Agriculture," agricultural economist Dr. Ramesh Chand and agricultural expert T. Vijay Kumar shared their experiences on natural farming, climate-resilient agriculture, crop diversification, value addition, market linkages, and technology-based agricultural reforms. The experts highlighted successful models from various states across the country and offered practical suggestions for increasing farmers' incomes, strengthening the rural economy, and making agriculture more competitive. Ministers and senior officials also participated in group brainstorming sessions.

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that based on suggestions received from previous brainstorming sessions, the e-office system was implemented in the Secretariat, making the file processing process faster, transparent, and timely. Similarly, important innovations like the Chief Minister's Helpline 1076 and Seva Setu are also the result of this brainstorming process. Today, through Seva Setu, more than 520 services from 36 departments are being made available online to citizens, providing simple, quick, and transparent services to the public.

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai expressed confidence that the suggestions received from Chintan Shivir 3.0 will set new standards of good governance, technology-based administration, agricultural reforms, departmental coordination and public service. He said that to build a developed Chhattisgarh in line with the resolution of Developed India 2047, the government will continue to encourage innovation, knowledge, technology and effective policy-making and the ideas emerging from the Chintan Shivir will soon be implemented in the form of concrete policy and administrative initiatives.

Under the joint aegis of the Good Governance and Convergence Department, Government of Chhattisgarh, and IIM Raipur organised a two-day Chintan Shivir – Leardeship and Policy Retreat – for Ministers. This is the third consecutive year that the programme is being held.

Scholars and experts from across the country participate in the Chintan Shivir to deliver lectures on a range of subjects and share their insights on themes such as good governance, transparent administration, and accountable governance. The Chintan Shivirs organised over the past two years have yielded significant benefits for the state.

– Shri Vishnu Deo Sai
Chief Minister, Chhattisgarh

Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Union Fertilizer Minister Shri J.P. Nadda.

Raipur/ Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda for allocating 46,500 metric tonnes of additional DAP to Chhattisgarh.

The Chief Minister said that this decision, taken with the guidance of respected Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the special support of Union Minister Shri Nadda, is extremely important for the farmers of the state. This will greatly help in providing timely fertilizers to farmers during the Kharif season.

Chief Minister Mr. Sai stated that during a recent meeting with Union Minister Mr. Nadda in New Delhi, he had requested additional DAP for Chhattisgarh to meet the Kharif season's needs. The Union Minister had assured positive cooperation, prioritizing the interests of farmers, resulting in the state receiving an additional DAP allocation.

The Chief Minister said that the state already had adequate urea availability, and now the additional DAP has ensured adequate fertilizer availability for the Kharif season. This will ensure farmers will not face any difficulties regarding fertilizer availability, and agricultural operations will continue smoothly.

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the state government is giving top priority to the interests of farmers and ensuring that they have timely access to all essential agricultural inputs, including DAP and urea. He said that the double-engine government is working with full commitment to the welfare of farmers and strengthening the agricultural sector.

Raipur, July 5, 2026: Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai planted a sapling as part of the "One Tree for Mother" campaign on the second day of the "Chintan Shivir 3.0" event held at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Nava Raipur. Members of the Council of Ministers also planted saplings on the occasion, promoting environmental protection and public participation.

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign is an important effort to strengthen social sensibilities along with environmental protection. He called on the people of the state to join this campaign and plant trees. He said that the state government is continuously encouraging public participation-based environmental protection campaigns to build a green and developed Chhattisgarh.

Raipur, July 5, 2026/ Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai planted a sapling under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign on the second day of Chintan Shivir 3.0 at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Nava Raipur. Members of the Council of Ministers also planted saplings, reinforcing the message of environmental conservation and public participation.

Shri Sai said the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign is an important initiative that promotes environmental conservation while strengthening social values. He urged the people of the state to join the campaign by planting saplings and said the state government is continuously encouraging public participation-based environmental initiatives to build a greener and more developed Chhattisgarh.

Raipur, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai on Thursday felicitated meritorious students who excelled in the state board examinations at the district and state levels during the Meritorious Students Felicitation Ceremony held at the Sakti District Office. Presenting mementoes to the students, he congratulated them on their achievements and wished them a bright future.

Interacting with the students, Shri Sai enquired about their career aspirations and future goals. Students expressed their ambition to become Collectors, Superintendents of Police, Chartered Accountants, doctors and professionals in other fields. Appreciating their confidence and aspirations, the Chief Minister said that dedication, discipline, continuous learning and hard work are the true keys to success, adding that those who pursue ambitious goals with sincerity ultimately achieve them.

He said the state government is continuously strengthening quality education, modern learning resources and holistic student development to ensure every student in Chhattisgarh gets the opportunity to realise their potential and contribute to nation-building. He also urged students to uphold moral values, social responsibility and a spirit of serving nation alongside academic excellence.

Among those present on occasion included In-charge Minister Shri Guru Khushwant Saheb, MP Smt. Kamlesh Jangde, Collector Shri Amrit Vikas Topno, Superintendent of Police Shri Prafull Thakur, other public representatives, officials, employees and a large number of citizens.

Raipur . Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai and the instructions of Forest and Climate Change Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap, various schemes are being effectively implemented to promote livelihoods in forest areas and economically empower forest management committees. In this regard, the Kasoli Forest Management Committee of the Geedam range of the Dantewada Forest Division has set an inspiring example of increasing income through fish farming. 

By producing 400 kg of fish, an income of about 80 thousand rupees is earned.

The pond was constructed in compartment number 1338 of Kasoli village in the 2025-26 fiscal year. Subsequently, the Forest Management Committee released one kilogram of fingerlings (fish seeds) into the pond about 10 months ago. As a result of planned care and management, the pond has now produced approximately 400 kilograms of fish, with a market value of approximately 80,000 rupees.

The committees are being made self-reliant by linking them with livelihood activities.

As directed by Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap, Forest Management Committees are being connected to livelihood-based activities to make them self-reliant. Schemes like fisheries are not only increasing the income of villagers but also creating new employment opportunities locally. This is simultaneously accelerating forest conservation and rural economic development.