Amit Shah announces ₹3,600-cr irrigation project, reiterates March 31 deadline to end Maoist violence

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday signalled a decisive shift in Bastar’s trajectory, combining a firm security deadline with a major development roadmap. Closing the three-day Bastar Pandum 2026 in Jagdalpur, Shah said Maoist violence in Chhattisgarh would be brought to an end by March 31, even as he announced a ₹3,600 crore irrigation project aimed at transforming the region’s agrarian economy.

Addressing the closing ceremony of Bastar Pandum 2026 at Jagdalpur’s historic Lalbagh Ground, Shah said Bastar’s identity lay in its culture, not conflict. “Bastar cannot be defined by gunpowder. Its true identity is this festival, an expression of gratitude to the land and nature,” he said, asserting that the security of tribal communities and the preservation of their traditions were a national responsibility.

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The irrigation project on the Indravati river, Shah said, would irrigate nearly 2.75 lakh hectares of farmland and enable power generation, forming the backbone of a broader roadmap to transform Bastar into the state’s most prosperous division within five years. He also announced the development of a new industrial area at a cost of ₹118 crore, assured tap water and free LPG connections for all tribal families, expansion of the Niyad Nellanar scheme, and referred to a ₹200 CXcrore tribal museum aimed at conserving Bastar’s cultural legacy.

Shah paid tribute to the security personnel who lost their lives combating Maoist violence and said the government preferred rehabilitation over force but would act decisively to protect civilians. “We do not wish to fire a single bullet, but we will go to any extent to ensure the safety of local communities,” he said, urging remaining Maoist cadres to surrender and join the mainstream under the government’s rehabilitation policy.

The three-day festival, inaugurated on February 7 by President Droupadi Murmu, brought together nearly 55,000 tribal artists from across Bastar. Winners across 12 cultural disciplines, including art, craft, attire, cuisine, dance, music and traditional instruments, were honoured at the closing ceremony. Each winning team received ₹50,000, while top performers will be invited to perform at Rashtrapati Bhavan and share a meal with the President.

The event also featured cultural performances by schoolchildren, including a widely applauded presentation set to “Aisa Jadoo Hai Mere Bastar Mein”, along with a mallakhamb display by young girls that drew sustained applause from the audience. Shah was seen encouraging the performers, praising their discipline and confidence.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap, senior officials and thousands of residents attended the ceremony.

As Bastar Pandum concluded with promises of irrigation, industry and peace, officials said the festival had evolved beyond a cultural showcase, emerging as a symbol of Bastar’s transition from conflict to confidence, with development and security now moving in tandem.