Fishermen cooperative societies from the Gangrel Dam submergence area expressed their gratitude to Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai at his residence after being granted the right to resume fishing activities in the reservoir. Members from 11 cooperatives across Dhamtari, Kanker, and Balod districts were present to felicitate the Chief Minister and thanked him for addressing their long-standing demand.

Responding to their concerns, Chief Minister Sai assured that an ambulance will soon be made available in the affected villages to improve public health facilities. He also committed to initiating steps for the establishment of a nationalized bank branch in the region to provide villagers with accessible financial services. Stressing the government’s vision for inclusive development, Sai said that continuous efforts are being made to uplift the poor and marginalized communities by ensuring access to welfare programs and creating localized self-employment opportunities.

He further underlined the government’s focus on improving quality of life through major schemes spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Highlighting the success of the Swachh Bharat Mission, Sai said the scheme has empowered women and ensured dignity by promoting widespread construction of household toilets, transforming it into a people’s movement. Referring to the Jan Dhan Yojana, he pointed out that financial inclusion initiatives have connected millions of citizens to banking systems, while the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism has eliminated intermediaries, ensuring transparency and curbing corruption.

Sai also mentioned that the state government has reinstated the responsibility of supplying ready-to-eat meals to women’s self-help groups, giving them a renewed pathway for economic empowerment. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to safeguarding the rights, dignity, and development of every section of society.

The gratitude event witnessed the presence of Dhamtari Mayor Ramu Rohra, former Women’s Commission Chairperson Harshita Pandey, and members of the 11 fishermen societies, including representatives from Urapuri, Telguda, Mogragahan, Koliyari (old and new), Gangrel, Futhamuda, Tumabuzurg, Alori, Bhilai, and Devinawagaon. A large number of villagers and community leaders also gathered to show support for the initiative and celebrate the restored fishing rights.