The Chhattisgarh cabinet, led by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, has approved a new homestay policy for 2025 to 2030 aimed at promoting rural tourism in areas long overshadowed by Maoist violence. The policy is particularly focused on two tribal-dominated regions—Bastar and Surguja—where tourism has barely taken root, partly due to the fear surrounding left-wing extremism.
According to officials, the state is hoping that opening up village homes to visitors might not only attract more tourists but also bring some economic uplift to local communities. Whether travellers will take the leap into these territories, though, remains to be seen.
Both Bastar and Surguja have been deeply affected by insurgency-related violence over the years. Bastar, in particular, has seen decades of conflict. Surguja, which borders Jharkhand, is reportedly free from the influence of left-wing extremism now, but its past still casts a long shadow.
The government hopes this new policy could help change perceptions and build a fresh identity for the region through its natural beauty and cultural richness.
Mainpat, often dubbed the 'Shimla of Chhattisgarh', is one of the highlights of Surguja. Surrounded by waterfalls and scenic hill views, the place already holds tourism potential that the government now wants to harness further via local homestays.
The idea is to let travellers experience village life first-hand—whether it's traditional crafts, cuisine, or the rhythms of rural tribal life
Apart from bridging the urban-rural gap, the policy is seen as a way to create livelihood opportunities for the local youth. If the plan clicks, it could mean steady earnings for families hosting tourists, besides strengthening community ties and keeping younger generations from migrating out in search of jobs.
But tourism in these regions has always been a delicate issue. Safety concerns remain, and there’s the question of how willing tourists are to tread off the beaten track—especially in areas previously associated with conflict.