CM Sai visits Singapore wildlife reserve, stresses global tourism model for state forests UPDATED

Raipur/Singapore: In a move to connect Chhattisgarh’s forests and rich wildlife resources with global tourism, State Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, along with Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini, visited Singapore’s Mandai Wildlife Reserve. He reviewed modern arrangements for wildlife conservation, natural habitat management and tourist facilities. Sai said that learning from Singapore’s experiences, an eco-tourism model suited to Chhattisgarh’s natural conditions could be developed, giving a boost to tourism and employment while ensuring conservation. Sai is in Singapore to participate in the first Singapore-India Network for Growth (SING) Forum 2026.

Chhattisgarh’s forests stretching from Bastar to Surguja, along with the state’s rich biodiversity, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, provide a strong foundation for eco-tourism. The government is now exploring new tourism opportunities by linking these natural resources with better tourist facilities and local participation.

At the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, Sai studied wildlife conservation in a natural setting, visitor experience, management systems and awareness activities. He emphasised that the development model in Chhattisgarh should be aligned with the state’s own geographical and biodiversity characteristics. Sai said that instead of replicating Singapore’s systems as they are, the successful experiences there would be adapted to Chhattisgarh’s requirements. The objective is to develop an eco-tourism model that protects forests and wildlife while creating new livelihood opportunities for local communities, youth and rural areas.

Bastar, Kanger Valley, Achanakmar, Indravati and Udanti-Sitanadi are among the regions that reflect Chhattisgarh’s potential for nature-based tourism. Better integration of conservation, local participation and modern tourism facilities in these areas could be an important step towards establishing the state not only on India’s but also on the international eco-tourism map.