Yogi Adityanath Unveils ₹548-Crore Development Push in Sonbhadra on Birsa Munda’s 150th Anniversary

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday announced development projects worth ₹548 crore to boost connectivity and infrastructure in this tribal-dominated district, as part of celebrations to mark the 150th birth anniversary of 'Dharti Aaba' Birsa Munda.

Speaking at the "Tribal Pride Day" program in Chopan, Sonbhadra, the CM said the NDA's double-engine government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is driving development, good governance, and empowerment, making tribal communities key partners in mainstream progress.

He emphasized that this celebration is not only a remembrance but also a pledge to link tribal pride with development. The Chief Minister highlighted Birsa Munda's immortal call, "Abua Desh, Abua Raj," noting that its spirit of "Nation First" resonates strongly in today's India.

He expressed confidence that, inspired by Birsa Munda's ideals, the tribal community of Sonbhadra and across Uttar Pradesh will actively contribute to national unity, security, and prosperity while taking the lead in developmental initiatives.

He recalled how Birsa Munda's 19th-century struggle against British rule became a turning point in safeguarding tribal rights. Today, that legacy continues through policies and programs that ensure respect, participation, and development for tribal communities.

Describing Sonbhadra as Uttar Pradesh's energy capital and a land of rich natural and historical heritage, the Chief Minister noted, "The strong representation of tribal citizens at the event is a symbol of hope and aspiration."

Descendants of freedom fighters were honored, and land pattas were distributed under the Forest Rights Act.

On the occasion, a booklet on Sonbhadra's tourist destinations and a book on Birsa Munda by the Vice Chancellor of Maa Vindhyavasini University were released.

Certificates were distributed to scheme beneficiaries, and 25 scooters were flagged off for women police personnel under 'Mission Shakti.' The celebration also showcased India's vibrant tribal culture through the Yak Dance from Arunachal Pradesh, the Surguja Tribal Group from Chhattisgarh, and the Karma Dance of Sonbhadra.

Highlighting Sonbhadra's uniqueness, the Chief Minister said, with 14 of Uttar Pradesh's 15 tribes residing here, the lives of over 4 lakh tribal citizens are a living legacy of human history and culture.

The CM highlighted the establishment of a tribal museum and hostel in Imlia Koder, Balrampur. A similar "Tribal Pride Museum" will soon be set up in this commissionerate to showcase tribal art, folk instruments, lifestyle, and traditions, inspiring future generations. The exhibition in Sonbhadra, displaying instruments, folklore, and cultural symbols, reflects this vision.

With a tribal population of around 11 lakh residing in districts including Sonbhadra, Chandauli, Mirzapur, Chitrakoot, Balrampur, Lakhimpur Kheri, Shravasti, and Bahraich, the government is ensuring no eligible family is left out of its schemes.

Presenting Sonbhadra as a model in education and skill development, he noted the establishment of the Eklavya Model Residential School for 240 students, Government Ashram Vidyalayas for boys and girls, Kasturba Gandhi Girls Residential Schools expanded up to grade 12, and Atal Residential School for children of BOCW workers or orphaned children. Programs like "Abhyudaya" coaching are helping talented tribal youth succeed in competitive exams like NEET and IIT-JEE.

The Chief Minister said tribal youth are being trained in eco-tourism and as guides. Traditional healers and herbalists are encouraged to promote forest medicines, enhancing tribal incomes while preserving their knowledge and heritage.

Elaborating on Sonbhadra's development, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the district is set to achieve new heights as Uttar Pradesh's energy capital. A 1,320 MW power project worth over ₹13,005 crore at the UP State Power Generation Corporation unit in Obra has boosted the state's energy capacity and created employment opportunities for thousands of youth.

The Kanhar Irrigation Project, costing over ₹3,394 crore, is providing irrigation to 53,000 farming families across 108 villages in Robertsganj, Duddhi, and Obra, covering approximately 35,467 hectares. Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, the "Har Ghar Nal" scheme is connecting 36,649 households to drinking water, with most households already receiving tap connections. Healthcare infrastructure has also been strengthened with the completion of Sonbhadra's first government medical college and the upgradation of the district hospital to a 500-bed facility.