Currently posted as the Secretary - General Administration and Tourism and Culture, Anbalagan introduced niche tourism segments like water and adventure tourism, creating a unique Tourism Policy with guidelines for homestays and grassroots participation in tourism development.
Tenure: November 2019 - Present (5 years)
Location: Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India
As the Secretary of Tourism for Chhattisgarh, I had the privilege to explore new horizons in tourism development, and what an incredible journey it has been! Chhattisgarh has always been known for its rich cultural heritage, untouched landscapes, and vibrant tribal traditions, but I knew there was an opportunity to make it a destination for adventure seekers as well. This led to the inception of niche tourism segments—water and adventure tourism—that have now become integral to Chhattisgarh's tourism offerings.
Chhattisgarh is blessed with abundant natural beauty—rivers, waterfalls, forests—the perfect setting for adventure tourism. Realizing this potential, I set out to introduce water-based activities, such as kayaking, river rafting, and other forms of adventure that would not only attract tourists but also offer local communities new economic opportunities. Our aim was to tap into the unexplored natural treasures of the state, but to do so sustainably, ensuring that tourism development would contribute to, not detract from, the environment and the culture of our people.
One of the most impactful initiatives was drafting a unique Tourism Policy tailored to the state's needs. The idea was to ensure that local communities were at the forefront of this transformation—benefiting from it directly, rather than being sidelined. Specific guidelines were developed for homestays, allowing residents to participate actively in the tourism sector by hosting visitors and sharing their rich cultural experiences. This kind of grassroots involvement was essential for building a more inclusive tourism industry and enhancing the hospitality experience for visitors by offering them something authentic and unique.
Developing water and adventure tourism was not without its challenges. Safety is paramount when dealing with water sports and adventure activities. We meticulously developed guidelines and procedures to ensure that all activities adhered to the highest safety standards. Training was also provided to local guides and instructors to empower them with the skills needed to facilitate these experiences professionally and safely.
Collaboration was key in the success of this initiative. We worked closely with tourism experts, adventure sports companies, and most importantly, local communities. I remember our first discussions with village leaders near the riverbanks—their initial hesitation gave way to excitement as they understood the potential for livelihood generation and the economic benefits that tourism could bring to their families and communities. It was inspiring to see local youth take on roles as adventure guides and homestay hosts, becoming ambassadors of their culture and natural heritage.
This journey has been about more than just developing tourism infrastructure; it has been about showcasing Chhattisgarh in a new light. Today, when I see visitors rafting down the Indravati River, kayaking through the tranquil waters of Chitrakote Falls, or exploring the lush forests on guided treks, I feel immense pride. It’s the result of collective effort, vision, and determination to place Chhattisgarh on the map as a destination for those seeking adventure and a deep connection with nature.
For me, the true success of this endeavor lies not only in the increase in tourist numbers or the improved tourism facilities but in the smiles of the people who now have new opportunities. Tourism has become a bridge—connecting people, ideas, cultures, and opportunities. Through these initiatives, we’ve been able to bring attention to the state’s incredible potential while ensuring that local communities are the real beneficiaries of this progress. And that, to me, is the essence of what tourism should be—transformative, inclusive, and sustainable.
Chhattisgarh’s tourism journey is still evolving, and I look forward to seeing how it continues to grow and adapt. I am grateful to have played a part in making adventure and water tourism a reality here, and I am excited for the future that lies ahead.
As the Secretary of the Water Resources Department in Chhattisgarh, I had the opportunity to contribute towards one of the most critical aspects of natural resource management—groundwater conservation. Groundwater is one of our most precious resources, particularly in a state like Chhattisgarh, where agriculture is the backbone of the economy. Ensuring its sustainable usage and conservation was both a challenge and a responsibility that I took on with utmost dedication.
The journey began with a deep understanding of the existing challenges in groundwater management. There were unregulated extraction practices, a lack of adequate monitoring, and insufficient knowledge among stakeholders about sustainable usage. Groundwater levels were depleting, and in some areas, the quality of water was also a growing concern. It was imperative to create a systematic framework that would address these issues comprehensively and ensure that future generations would not face a groundwater crisis.
In response to these challenges, I led a team to draft legislation aimed at regulating and managing groundwater usage across the state. This legislation, which was later enacted by the State Assembly, was a comprehensive step towards sustainable management. It incorporated the Hon’ble Supreme Court's directions on groundwater regulation, and its implementation marked a significant step forward in resource conservation for the state.
Our approach was not just about regulation; it was also about education and collaboration. We worked closely with local communities, farmers, and water user associations to educate them on the importance of conserving groundwater. Workshops and training programs were organized to promote efficient irrigation practices such as micro-irrigation, which could help reduce water wastage and ensure that groundwater resources were used judiciously. The involvement of grassroots communities was crucial—people needed to understand the importance of conservation and be part of the solution.
One of the significant achievements was the development of a systematic groundwater monitoring network. We set up monitoring wells across key locations in the state, and data from these wells was used to understand trends and take timely corrective measures. The information gathered not only helped in understanding the current scenario but also in planning future groundwater usage more effectively. This data-driven approach ensured that decision-making was grounded in accurate information, making policies more effective and responsive to real-time needs.
The success of this initiative was not just about preserving groundwater levels; it also had economic benefits. By ensuring sustainable usage, we could improve the overall agricultural output in the state, benefiting thousands of farmers who rely on groundwater for irrigation. Additionally, effective management of groundwater resources resulted in a 20% increase in state revenue from water-related activities—a testament to how conservation can also drive economic growth.
Throughout this process, I learned that conservation efforts must be holistic and inclusive. It is not enough to impose regulations—people must be educated, motivated, and empowered to participate in these efforts. Only then can we achieve true sustainability. The involvement of local communities, the integration of technology, and a focus on both regulation and education were the pillars of our success in groundwater management.
Today, as I look back on our efforts, I feel a deep sense of fulfillment. The groundwork we laid for sustainable groundwater management has created a lasting impact—not just on the water resources of the state, but on the lives of countless farmers and communities who now have more secure access to this precious resource. Groundwater conservation is not just about saving water; it is about securing livelihoods, ensuring food security, and building resilience against the challenges of climate change.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of my career has been working in the field of public health. As Special Secretary (Independent Charge) of the Public Health Engineering Department, I had the opportunity to develop initiatives that significantly impacted the well-being of our citizens. Two such initiatives that stand out are the launch of the "Hand Pump Tracker" mobile application and the establishment of the 108 Emergency Ambulance Services in Chhattisgarh.
Access to clean and safe drinking water is a fundamental necessity, yet it remains a challenge for many rural areas in India. During my time in the Public Health Engineering Department, I realized that a major barrier to ensuring a reliable supply of drinking water was the maintenance and timely repair of hand pumps—a lifeline for many rural households. We had thousands of hand pumps spread across the state, but the process of identifying faulty pumps and dispatching repair teams was inefficient and lacked real-time monitoring.
In collaboration with the National Informatics Centre (NIC), we developed the "Hand Pump Tracker" mobile application in 2018. This app was designed to expedite the repair of faulty hand pumps and provide a robust database on groundwater level fluctuations. By using the app, field officers could instantly log faults, track the status of repairs, and maintain a real-time database of operational hand pumps across different regions. This initiative not only improved response times for repairs but also helped us gather valuable data on groundwater conditions, enabling proactive steps to maintain water security.
The results were immediate and impactful. Villagers, who previously had to wait weeks for repairs, saw the turnaround time reduced significantly, with repair teams dispatched within hours of a reported fault. The app also allowed us to identify regions where groundwater levels were depleting, helping us take preventive measures to safeguard water resources. Ensuring a safe and reliable rural drinking water supply for all was no longer just a distant goal—it became an achievable reality.
Another significant milestone in my career in public health was the successful introduction of the 108 Emergency Ambulance Services. Before the establishment of this service, accessing emergency healthcare in rural and remote areas was extremely challenging. Delays in reaching hospitals, especially for critical patients, often led to tragic outcomes. I believed that addressing this gap was crucial to improving healthcare outcomes in the state.
After months of dedicated planning, coordination, and training, we successfully launched the 108 Emergency Ambulance Services—a project that revolutionized emergency and critical care in Chhattisgarh. The introduction of this service made emergency healthcare accessible to every citizen, irrespective of their location. By simply dialing 108, individuals in need of urgent medical attention could summon an ambulance, equipped with essential medical facilities and staffed with trained personnel, who could provide critical first aid even before reaching the hospital.
This initiative brought about a significant change in the way emergency medical services were perceived and utilized in the state. Thousands of lives have been saved as a result of the prompt response provided by these ambulances. The positive impact was not just about the numbers—what truly resonated with me were the stories of individuals whose lives were saved because they could reach a healthcare facility in time. The introduction of the 108 Emergency Services was a turning point in our approach to public health, emphasizing the importance of timely and accessible emergency care.
Both these initiatives—the "Hand Pump Tracker" app and the 108 Emergency Ambulance Services—reflect my commitment to leveraging technology for public welfare. By addressing fundamental issues like access to clean water and emergency medical care, we improved the quality of life for countless citizens across Chhattisgarh.