Randy603804187 at 10:08, 12 March 2026

2026-03-12T10:08:50Z

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{{Short description|Administrative division of Chhattisgarh, India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2026}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2026}}

{{Infobox settlement
| name = Bastar division
| native_name = बस्तर संभाग
| settlement_type = [[Administrative divisions of Chhattisgarh|Division]]
| image_skyline = File:Chhattisgarh_districts_map.svg
| image_caption = Bastar division covers Seven districts of Southern Chhattisgarh.(Kanker, Narayanpur, Kondagaun, Bastar, Dantewada, Bijapur and Sukma).
| image_map =
| map_caption =
| pushpin_map = India Chhattisgarh#India
| coordinates = {{coord|19.08|82.02|display=title,inline}}
| coor_pinpoint = Jagdalpur
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1 = [[States and union territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[Chhattisgarh]]
| seat_type = Headquarters
| seat = [[Jagdalpur]]
| parts_type = Districts
| parts_style = para
| p1 = 7 ([[Bastar district|Bastar]], [[Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh|Bijapur]], [[Dantewada district|Dantewada]], [[Kanker district|Kanker]], [[Kondagaon district|Kondagaon]], [[Narayanpur district|Narayanpur]] and [[Sukma district|Sukma]])
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_total = 2500000
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +05:30
| website = {{URL|https://bastar.gov.in/}}
}}

'''Bastar division''' is an administrative unit of the Indian state of [[Chhattisgarh]]. Headquartered in [[Jagdalpur]], it is the southernmost region of the state and is known for its rich tribal culture, dense forests, and mineral wealth.<ref name="TOI_Bastar">{{cite news |last=Behera |first=Partha |title=Bastar: The Cultural Heartland of Chhattisgarh |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/raipur/bastar-tribal-culture-and-economic-updates/articleshow/126172120.cms |work=The Times of India |date=December 25, 2025 |access-date=February 14, 2026}}</ref>

== History ==
Bastar Division was originally part of the larger [[Bastar State|Bastar princely state]]. It was formally organized as a division in 1999, when the historic Bastar district was subdivided into Jagdalpur (Bastar), [[Dantewada]], and [[Kanker district|Kanker]].<ref name="NewsRiveting_History">{{cite news |title=Evolution of Administration in Southern Chhattisgarh |url=https://newsriveting.com/the-industrial-and-tribal-history-of-bastar/ |work=News Riveting |date=January 15, 2026 |access-date=February 14, 2026}}</ref> Further administrative reforms led to the creation of [[Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh|Bijapur]] and [[Narayanpur district|Narayanpur]] in 2007, followed by [[Sukma district|Sukma]] and [[Kondagaon district|Kondagaon]] in 2012.

== Geography ==
The division covers a geographical area of approximately 39,117 km<sup>2</sup>. It is a mineral-rich plateau region primarily drained by the [[Indravati River]]. The landscape is dominated by the [[Abujmarh]] hills and dense deciduous forests.

== Administration ==
The division is headed by a [[Divisional Commissioner]]. It consists of seven districts:<ref name="Hindu_Election">{{cite news |title=Administrative setups and new developments in Bastar |url=https://www.thehindu.com/elections/chhattisgarh-assembly/december-3-2023-updates/article67597720.ece |work=The Hindu |date=December 3, 2023 |access-date=February 14, 2026}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! District !! Headquarters !! Established !! Area (km²)
|-
| [[Bastar district|Bastar]] || [[Jagdalpur]] || 1999 || 4,030
|-
| [[Dantewada district|Dantewada]] || [[Dantewada]] || 1999 || 3,411
|-
| [[Kanker district|Kanker]] || [[Kanker district|Kanker]] || 1999 || 6,424
|-
| [[Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh|Bijapur]] || [[Bijapur, Chhattisgarh|Bijapur]] || 2007 || 6,555
|-
| [[Narayanpur district|Narayanpur]] || [[Narayanpur, Chhattisgarh|Narayanpur]] || 2007 || 7,010
|-
| [[Kondagaon district|Kondagaon]] || [[Kondagaon]] || 2012 || 7,768
|-
| [[Sukma district|Sukma]] || [[Sukma]] || 2012 || 5,897
|}

== Culture and economy ==
* '''Tribal Heritage:''' The region is home to several Scheduled Tribes, including the Gond, Maria, and Muria people. Local festivals like the '''Bastar Dussehra''' are internationally renowned.<ref name="Inheritage_Bastar">{{cite web |title=Bastar Dussehra: A 75-day Celebration |url=https://www.inheritage.foundation/blog/heritage/bastar-dussehra-traditions |publisher=Inheritage Foundation |access-date=February 14, 2026}}</ref>
* '''Resources:''' The division is known for the [[Bailadila Range|Bailadila]] iron ore mines, which are among the largest in the world.
* '''Tourism:''' Major attractions include the [[Chitrakote Falls]] (often called the "Niagara of India") and the [[Kanger Ghati National Park]].

== Internal security and conflict ==
Bastar division is recognized as one of the regions most significantly affected by [[Left Wing Extremism]] (LWE) in India, primarily involving the [[Naxalite–Maoist insurgency]].<ref name="TOI_LWE">{{cite news |last=Behera |first=Partha |title=LWE Situation in Bastar: 2025-26 Security Report |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/raipur/security-forces-advance-in-bastar-lwe-zones/articleshow/126172120.cms |work=The Times of India |date=December 25, 2025 |access-date=February 14, 2026}}</ref>

=== Security situation ===
The division is a focal point of the Red Corridor. According to Ministry of Home Affairs statistics, the districts of [[Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh|Bijapur]], [[Sukma district|Sukma]], and [[Dantewada district|Dantewada]] remain categorized as "Most Affected Districts."<ref name="Hindu_Security">{{cite news |title=Security Grids and Counter-Insurgency in South Chhattisgarh |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/chhattisgarh-lwe-updates-2026/article67597720.ece |work=The Hindu |date=January 5, 2026 |access-date=February 14, 2026}}</ref> The establishment of new security camps (Forward Operating Bases) in core areas like [[Abujmarh]] has significantly increased the presence of state functionaries in previously inaccessible zones.<ref name="NewsRiveting_Security">{{cite news |title=New Security Camps in Bastar Improving Civil Access |url=https://newsriveting.com/security-infrastructure-growth-in-bastar/ |work=News Riveting |date=February 1, 2026 |access-date=February 14, 2026}}</ref>

=== Impact on development ===
The prolonged conflict has impacted the pace of human development in the region. However, under recent initiatives, there has been a push for:
* '''Education:''' The reopening of schools in "closed" zones and the expansion of Pota Cabins (residential schools) for tribal children.<ref name="TOI_LWE" />
* '''Infrastructure:''' Accelerated construction of roads and bridges under the LWE-Road Requirement Plan (RRP) to connect remote village markets (Haats).<ref name="NewsRiveting_Security" />
* '''Health:''' Mobile medical units and health camps have been deployed to address the historically low health and nutrition indicators in the interior forest reaches.<ref name="Hindu_Security" />

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

{{Districts of Chhattisgarh}}

[[Category:Divisions of Chhattisgarh]]

Bastar division - Revision history

Randy603804187 at 10:08, 12 March 2026