Chhattisgarh was earlier known as "Naxalgarh" (Naxalite Fort) but efforts put in to convert the state of affairs are paying dividends, enabling the state to gain a new identity, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said on Sunday.

The original image is slowly getting eroded from the minds of the people, and there are visible changes, Baghel told the media at Kunkuri in Jashpur district.

Also, a cultural identity has been created through the Ram Van Gaman tourism circuit, Devgudi, tribal dance festival and promotion of tourist places, he said on the second day of his visit to Jashpur district as part of his Bhent Mulaqat drive.

He said local people have the choice to decide whether to establish an industry or not.

He spoke in context to the Surguja administration putting on hold the three upcoming projects – Parsa, Parsa East and Kete Basan (PEKB) phase II and Kete Extension coal mines which are at different stages of       pre-mining process after protests from villagers.

In Jashpur, he said work was in progress in the field of education and health. The district has immense         potential for tourism. Already, the forest land rights certificates have been given.

Baghel adds farmers were receiving benefits of the flagship ‘Nyay’ schemes. The Forest Department has been asked to plant fruit trees. Drinking water facilities will be enhanced for wild animals also.

On Agniveer scheme, he said the security of the         country’s borders was being jeopardized and the scheme was against the interests of the army and youth.

The Chief Minister announced Rs 15 lakh for the ‘Patrakar Bhawan’ in Kunkuri.