Bhilai: Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for a total of 65 development projects worth Rs 75.12 crore during his visit to Bhilai. The inauguration comprised 22 projects valued at Rs 50.28 crore, while the foundation stone was laid for 43 projects with an estimated cost of Rs 24.84 crore. This significant event took place before Baghel attended a gratitude conference held at the Sector-48 Nehru Cultural Building under the Municipal Corporation Bhilai. Home Minister Tamradhwaj Sahu, MLA Devendra Yadav, Mayor Neeraj Pal, and other public representatives were present during the ceremony.
In his address, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel extended his Ganesh Chaturthi greetings and highlighted Bhilai’s unique character as “our mini India.” He emphasized the unity and diversity present in Bhilai, where people of various religions and languages coexist harmoniously. Baghel acknowledged the city’s historical challenges related to employment and development and recounted the initial purpose of allocating land for the Bhilai Steel Plant – community development, encompassing health, education, and basic amenities.
However, the expected development did not materialize as planned. He commended the residents for their continuous efforts and sacrifices, noting that nearly 500 people have now been registered as a result of these efforts. Baghel emphasized that if the plant were to be transferred to the state government, the land’s ownership would revert to the local residents. He also mentioned the benefits of the half-price electricity bill scheme.
During his visit, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel paid homage to the martyrs’ families at Nehru Nagar Chowk Shaheed Smriti Sthal of the Municipal Corporation Bhilai. He unveiled the statue of Jawaharlal Nehru and inspected the beautification of the square, later hoisting the national flag in honor of the martyrs.
Furthermore, Baghel inaugurated a newly constructed planetarium in Nehru Nagar, built at a cost of Rs 2 crore. This state-of-the-art planetarium promises to provide residents with an immersive experience akin to being in the universe.
Additionally, Baghel inaugurated a newly constructed indoor stadium (mini) in Khursipar under the Municipal Corporation Bhilai, constructed at a cost of Rs 3 crore. The stadium boasts facilities such as a badminton court, two wooden flooring areas, three table tennis courts, carrom rooms, three chess boards, and a hall, offering improved amenities for players. The Chief Minister also interacted with the athletes, discussing various aspects of sports development during his visit.