Chief Minister Sai emphasized that the unit’s establishment was envisioned during the difficult times of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly due to the scarcity of medicines. He acknowledged India’s pioneering role in developing indigenous vaccines during the global crisis. The launch of the pharmaceutical unit signifies a significant step in the state’s industrial development.

The Chief Minister highlighted that the new industrial policy of Chhattisgarh is attracting investors, with over ₹6 lakh crore in investment proposals received in the last seven to eight months, and several projects are already underway. The state government is focusing on generating more employment through industrial units and is providing special incentives for such units.

He also mentioned Chhattisgarh’s entry into its silver jubilee year and acknowledged the invaluable contributions of former Chief Minister Dr. Raman Singh in the state’s development over the past 25 years. He highlighted Dr. Singh’s efforts in eradicating hunger and establishing a strong foundation in healthcare, education, and infrastructure. The Chief Minister pointed out the advancements in healthcare, including the increase in the number of medical colleges from one to 15 since the state’s formation, along with the provision of free treatment through the Ayushman Bharat Yojana and the Chief Minister Special Health Assistance Scheme.

Sai noted that he has witnessed the inauguration of more than six specialized hospitals in the last year and a half, demonstrating the continuous expansion of healthcare facilities in the state. He mentioned the Prime Minister’s vision of promoting wellness and health through wellness centers.

The Chief Minister also discussed the ‘Developed Chhattisgarh 2047’ vision document, which aims to increase the state’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) from ₹5 lakh crore to ₹10 lakh crore by 2030 and ₹75 lakh crore by 2047, emphasizing that this will be achieved with the support of the people.

During his visit to Aspire Pharmaceuticals, the Chief Minister praised the advanced technologies used in the unit, which is fully automated and will manufacture various medicines like tablets, syrups, ointments, and creams. He stated that the expansion of this unit will provide employment to a large number of local youths.

Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh acknowledged this as a crucial and inspirational beginning for the state’s pharmaceutical sector. He noted India’s distinctive presence in this sector, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the world recognized the significance of medicines and medical resources. He added that developed countries like the United States and Europe also expressed confidence in India’s pharmaceutical capabilities during that time.

Dr. Singh also mentioned the vision document released to realize the concept of a developed Chhattisgarh, which will take the state to new heights in the coming years.

He emphasized Nava Raipur’s central role in the state’s industrial development, which is ideal for industrial investment and strategically advantageous for logistics due to its connectivity with all major routes. Dr. Singh extended his best wishes to the Aspire Pharmaceuticals team for this new venture, expressing that it would provide momentum to Nava Raipur’s development.

Also present at the occasion were Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap, Women and Child Development Minister Lakshmi Rajwade, along with various MLAs, and other dignitaries.

During the zero hour, Leader of the Opposition Dr. Charandas Mahant, along with Bhupesh Baghel, Dwarkadhish Yadav, Umesh Patel, and other Congress MLAs, moved an adjournment motion on this matter. These leaders alleged that illegal sand mining is rampant across the state, carried out by the sand mafia under government protection. They further stated that when locals try to stop the illegal activities, they are assaulted, and in some instances, even shot at. Despite complaints being filed with the police, no action has been taken against the mafia, as they allegedly enjoy the patronage of those in power. The opposition argued that this situation is creating conditions similar to those in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in the otherwise peaceful state of Chhattisgarh, thus warranting a discussion on this critical issue. The Speaker, after hearing the opposition members, dismissed the motion, stating that since the subject had already been raised in a ‘Dhyanakarshan’ notice, it could not be discussed in the House. Angered by the Speaker’s decision, the opposition members stood up, raised slogans in the House, and walked out to express their resentment.

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.