Raipur, 03 September 2021. In view of the possibilities of mutual cooperation and capital investment in the socio-cultural sector with Chhattisgarh, the representatives of the Embassy of Australia, who came on a two-day visit to the state, even today met various high officials to get information about the development taking place in different areas of the state. Did it? Ms. Rowan Ainsworth, Consulate General of Australia, DGP Mr. D.M. Awasthi and National Health Mission Director Dr. Priyanka Shukla and discussed. Earlier on 02nd September, Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel was met by the High Commissioner of Australia Mr. Barry O’Farrell at his residence office.
Today at Police Headquarters, DGP Shri D.M. Awasthi and Ms. Rowan Ainsworth had a detailed discussion on the law and order situation of Chhattisgarh, the situation of Naxalism in the state, preparedness to deal with possible disasters, security arrangements for Australian tourists. Mr. Awasthi told Ms. Ainsworth that under the leadership of Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel, Chhattisgarh Police has effectively curbed Naxal activities in the last three and a half years. Chhattisgarh Police is always ready to help the citizens in case of any kind of natural calamity. The security of tourist places was also discussed between the two. Shri Awasthi told them that all the tourist places of Chhattisgarh are completely safe for national and international tourists.
Ms. Ainsworth discussed with the Director of National Health Mission Dr. Priyanka Shukla regarding the health facilities of the state. Dr. Shukla informed them about the emergency helpline number 108 operating in the state, better health facilities available during the Kovid period, adequate availability of oxygen, availability of ventilators, ambulances etc. Ms Ainsworth appreciated the graph of COVID vaccination in Chhattisgarh. He said that the graph of Kovid vaccination in Australia is less than Chhattisgarh. She appreciated the natural beauty of the state and said that next time I will come to Chhattisgarh as a tourist.
Yesterday on 02nd September, High Commissioner Mr. Farel had a detailed discussion with Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel on the possibilities of mining and environmental protection. Mr. Farel took keen interest in the schemes of the state government implemented under the leadership of Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel for overall development, upliftment of tribal community and improvement in social indicators in the state. He also appreciated the efforts made by the government for prevention of corona infection in Chhattisgarh. The High Commissioner expressed his desire to promote bilateral relations in various areas of development. He said that Australia has expertise in the field of mining. He talked about mutual participation in the fields of mining survey, exploration-mining technology etc.
Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel told Mr Farel that Chhattisgarh is a state rich in mineral and forest resources. Various types of resources are available in the state. He expressed happiness over the socio-cultural partnership with Australia and the willingness of its entrepreneurs to invest industrial capital in Chhattisgarh and said that the state government would provide all possible support for this. The Chief Minister informed about the efforts being made by the government to promote organic farming and value addition of forest produce in Chhattisgarh.
On this occasion, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, Mr. Subrata Sahu had informed about the socio-geographical situation of the state of Chhattisgarh and the progress made in various fields. On this occasion Principal Secretary Industries Shri Manoj Pingua, Secretary to Chief Minister Shri Siddharth Komal Pardeshi, Director Industries Shri Anil Tuteja, Managing Director Chhattisgarh State Industrial Development Corporation Shri P. Arun Prasad, Managing Director Minor Forest Produce Association Shri Sanjay Shukla, Consul General Ms. Ron Ainsworth, High Commission Secretary Ms. Amy Keoff, Business Development Manager Mr. Parthasen and other officials were present.
