Kumar Bahukhandi
“Chief Secretary Vikas Sheel chairs the PPP Evaluation Committee meeting at Mahanadi Bhawan on Tuesday July 21, 2026 to review the proposed ₹25-crore Tent City near Chitrakote Waterfall, a project envisioned to transform Bastar into a world-class tourism destination while creating new opportunities for local employment and sustainable economic growth.”-Photo Credit-channel24india.com via CG/PR
PPP Evaluation Committee Approves Progress on ₹25-Crore Tent City Project; Chief Secretary Calls for Comprehensive Master Plan
Raipur: Chhattisgarh has taken another significant step toward strengthening its tourism infrastructure with plans to develop the iconic Chitrakote Waterfall into a year-round international tourist destination. At a meeting of the Public-Private Partnership Appraisal Committee (PPPAC) held at Mahanadi Bhawan, Chief Secretary Vikas Sheel reviewed a proposal to establish a modern Tent City near Chitrakote Falls in Bastar district through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
The proposed project, estimated to cost ₹25 crore, aims to create an integrated tourism hub at Teerath village, situated approximately 500 metres from Chitrakote Waterfall, often referred to as the “Niagara of India” because of its impressive horseshoe-shaped cascade.
The meeting focused on the project’s financial viability, implementation framework, long-term sustainability, and its potential contribution to Bastar’s tourism economy. Officials discussed various components that would make the destination attractive to visitors throughout the year rather than only during the monsoon season.
A Modern Tourism Experience
According to the proposal presented before the committee, the Tent City will offer a combination of luxury accommodation and nature-based experiences. The project is expected to include premium tents equipped with modern amenities while maintaining harmony with the natural landscape surrounding the waterfall.
Officials from the Tourism Department informed the committee that the project would also feature:
- Adventure tourism activities
- Destination wedding facilities
- Modern conference and convention spaces
- Recreational and cultural zones
- Visitor amenities designed to international standards
The objective is to position Chitrakote as a destination capable of attracting leisure travellers, corporate events, family vacations, eco-tourists, and wedding tourism under a single integrated development model.
Chief Secretary Calls for a Long-Term Vision
During the meeting, Chief Secretary Vikas Sheel stressed that tourism development around Chitrakote should not be limited to a single infrastructure project. He directed officials to prepare a comprehensive master plan for the entire Chitrakote region so that future development remains coordinated, environmentally sustainable, and internationally competitive.
He observed that Chitrakote possesses immense natural potential and deserves to be developed as one of India’s premier tourism destinations. According to him, planned infrastructure, improved visitor facilities, and better connectivity can significantly enhance the region’s appeal while preserving its ecological character.
The Chief Secretary also emphasized that tourism projects should create long-term economic opportunities for local communities by encouraging entrepreneurship, hospitality services, handicrafts, cultural performances, and other tourism-linked livelihoods.
Boost to Bastar’s Economy
The Tent City project is expected to provide a major boost to Bastar’s tourism sector by extending visitor stays and creating year-round economic activity. Besides generating direct employment in hospitality and tourism services, the initiative is likely to benefit transport operators, local artisans, food businesses, guides, and small enterprises connected with the tourism value chain.
Officials believe that enhanced tourism infrastructure around Chitrakote will encourage greater domestic and international tourist arrivals, strengthening Bastar’s image as a destination known for its natural beauty, tribal heritage, waterfalls, forests, and cultural richness.
The project also aligns with the state’s broader vision of promoting sustainable tourism through public-private partnerships, encouraging private investment while ensuring quality infrastructure and efficient management.
Senior Officials Participate
The meeting was attended by Finance Secretary Dr. Rohit Yadav, Secretary, Tourism and Culture, Dr. S. Bharathidasan, Managing Director, Chhattisgarh Tourism Board, Vivek Acharya, along with senior officials from the Tourism Department and other concerned agencies. The committee reviewed various technical and financial aspects before discussing the roadmap for taking the project forward.
With the proposed Tent City and supporting tourism infrastructure, Chhattisgarh aims to transform Chitrakote into a flagship destination capable of attracting visitors throughout the year while creating sustainable employment and accelerating regional development in Bastar.
