For nearly 50 years, Bastar grappled with Naxalism, but today, rehabilitated individuals are leading the charge towards peace through such runs, Kashyap noted. ‘This is Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai’s dream in motion—events that unite people and accelerate development,’ he said. The marathon underscores a shift, with runners embodying the spirit of reintegration into mainstream society.

Kashyap praised the initiative alongside others like the Bastar Olympics, affirming that the region is on a fast track to cultural preservation and economic growth. ‘Let’s all run together for Bastar’s happiness, prosperity, and peak development,’ he exhorted, extending hearty congratulations to every finisher.

Echoing this momentum, Punjab’s Ferozepur hosted a BSF-led anti-narcotics marathon with varied distances: 21km, 10km, and a 3km fun run. DIG Vijay Kumar Rana highlighted its role in combating drug abuse. In Bihar, a similar event at Patna’s Gandhi Maidan drew 10,000 young participants across 42km, 21km, 10km, and 5km races, aimed at harnessing the vigor of the state’s youthful demographic for a ‘Nasha Mukt Bihar’.

Across India, these marathons are not mere races but rallies for societal betterment, proving that collective strides can overcome historical challenges.

On this sorrowful occasion, Chief Minister Sai prayed to God for the peace of the departed soul and for strength to the family to bear the immense grief.

Present at the event were Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh, Agriculture Minister Ramvichar Netam, Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Laxmi Rajwade, along with numerous public representatives, senior administrative officials, and general citizens.

Addressing the workshop, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai emphasized that the vision of a developed Chhattisgarh is not solely achievable through infrastructural development, but also through environmental balance and the protection of biological diversity. He urged every public representative and citizen to recognize their individual responsibility towards biodiversity and wetland conservation, becoming ‘Wetland Mitras’ to transform this campaign into a people’s movement.

Forest and Climate Change Minister Kedar Kashyap, who presided over the workshop, stated that the conservation of biodiversity and wetlands is not only an environmental necessity but also a matter of protecting future generations. He requested all public representatives to ensure participation in the conservation of biodiversity and to spread public awareness by becoming Wetland Mitras.

Rakesh Chaturvedi, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Biodiversity Board, delivered a comprehensive presentation. He provided detailed information on the 1992 Earth Summit, the Biodiversity Act 2002, the role of the National Biodiversity Board, and the structure and functions of Biodiversity Management Committees. He also highlighted that Chhattisgarh is the third state in the country where Biodiversity Management Committees are functioning effectively.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Arun Kumar Pandey discussed the vital role of wetlands in maintaining ecological balance. He provided information on the functioning of the State Wetland Authority and the process of forming district-level wetland conservation committees, stating that these committees are strengthening the monitoring and conservation of wetlands at the local level.

At the end of the workshop, all public representatives and officials were appealed to join as Wetland Mitras to actively participate in the conservation of biodiversity and wetlands. This participation is expected to help transform environmental awareness into a mass movement in the state. The workshop was attended by Chief Secretary Amitabh Jain, Additional Chief Secretary (Forests) Richa Sharma, Chhattisgarh Forest Force Chief V. Srinivas Rao, Member Secretary of the Biodiversity Board Rajesh Kumar Chandele, and many senior officers and experts.