Raipur . Forest and Climate Change Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap said today that along with the expansion of basic facilities, the government is giving top priority to the conservation, restoration and promotion of ancient cultural heritage. Minister Shri Kashyap today performed the ground breaking and inauguration of various development works worth Rs 5 crore 84 lakh 76 thousand in Bastar development block under Narayanpur assembly constituency. She participated in the programmes organised in Farsaguda, Sorgaon, Cherakur and Chhotealnar and gifted development schemes to the villagers. A large number of villagers were present in the programmes.

Mr. Kashyap stated that the highest number of works, amounting to ₹48.5 million (₹98.8 million), have been approved for the Cherakur cluster. Among these, the construction of the Cherakur to Kolebeda road, costing ₹46.4 million (₹98.8 million), is prominent. This road will strengthen the connectivity of the area and facilitate the movement of villagers. Groundbreaking ceremonies were also held for the construction of culverts at various locations to improve drainage and traffic. Several important projects were also initiated in Sorgaon and Chhotealnar. In the Sorgaon cluster, works have been approved for a cultural building in Kesharpal, a cultural stage in Nayagudrapara, a community hall in Kuchiguda, and high-mast lighting in Baniyagaon at a cost of ₹30.38 million (₹30.38 million). Similarly, in Chhotealnar, construction of community buildings in Dhavdagudra, Manjhipara, and Temaruguda has commenced at a cost of ₹50.5 million (₹50.5 million). Water tankers were also distributed to address the drinking water problem in the Gram Panchayat Chhotealnar. Ground breaking ceremony for the construction of culverts was held in Devda and Taragaon.

The program began in Farsaguda, where the construction of a compound at the Anganwadi center, a Mandali Bhavan near the Shivguri pond, and a culvert near the Mata Mandir in Bhanpuri were inaugurated at a cost of ₹17.90 lakh. Minister Kashyap stated that expanding infrastructure and preserving culture in remote forest areas are the government's top priorities. Describing the Cherakur-Kolebeda road as the foundation for the region's progress, he said that this 4.80-kilometer-long road will help connect villagers with the mainstream of development. He also informed that culverts are also being constructed in Cherakur to improve drainage.

Forest Minister Mr. Kashyap said that cultural buildings and community buildings play an important role in promoting tribal culture and social harmony. The construction of these buildings in Sorgaon and Chhotealnar will promote social activities. At the end of the program, Minister Mr. Kashyap said that all approved works will be completed within the stipulated time frame so that the villagers can get the benefits soon. District Panchayat President Mrs. Vedvati Kashyap, Janpad Panchayat President Mr. Santosh Baghel, District Panchayat Member Mr. Nidhiraj Diwan along with public representatives, officers and employees of various departments and a large number of villagers were present in the program.