When the government is determined, transformation is not just a possibility but a reality. Kushinagar district stands as a testament to this under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Located in Purvanchal, near the Bihar border, Kushinagar was once plagued by severe underdevelopment. The district was notorious for widespread iodine deficiency, causing goitre among its residents. Over the last four decades, thousands of children lost their lives, or were left physically and mentally disabled in Kushinagar, due to encephalitis. Floods from the Narayani and Gandak rivers wreaked havoc annually, and the terror of jungle bandits added to the region’s woes.
Poverty was so extreme that some residents resorted to eating rats, earning them the name ‘Musahar’. To make matters worse, the ration mafia regularly siphoned off their food supplies.
Today, these dark times are a distant memory. The Yogi government’s dedicated efforts have nearly eradicated encephalitis and its associated deaths. To shield the district from floods, the government has invested Rs 600 crore in flood protection over the past seven years.
Kushinagar’s fertile land, once home to several sugar mills and known for its abundant banana and turmeric crops, is now on the path to revitalisation. The Yogi government has significantly boosted Kushinagar’s agricultural sector by designating bananas as the district’s product under the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme and is promoting their cultivation.
Sugarcane farmers have also reaped the benefits of a revamped sugar policy, while local youth have found new employment opportunities. Additionally, in collaboration with Tata Trust and the Azim Premji Foundation, the government is actively promoting the cultivation of turmeric and seed spices in the district, with support from the National Research Centre for Seed Spices, Ajmer.
To further empower farmers, the Yogi government is establishing an agricultural university in Kushinagar, where they can learn and implement modern farming techniques to enhance yield and income. The Krishi Vigyan Kendra, affiliated with the Indian Agricultural Research Institute’s Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, also encourages the cultivation of vegetables alongside traditional crops.
The Musahar community, once plagued by extreme poverty, is now benefiting from the government’s unwavering support. Yogi Adityanath, who had been a vocal advocate for the Musahars in Parliament during his tenure as an MP, has continued his mission as chief minister, transforming their lives much like he did for the Vantangi community.
A permanent solution to Kushinagar’s flood problem is now within reach. During his recent visit, Chief Minister Yogi announced the construction of a bridge over the river Narayani. It will connect Kushinagar and Maharajganj. This bridge will benefit thousands of residents from around 18 villages across both districts, saving them time and resources in their daily commute.
Kushinagar international airport is set to become a key milestone for the region’s future development. It will significantly enhance the travel experience for tourists from Buddhist countries visiting the site of Tathagata’s Parinirvana, making their journey more accessible, safer and faster. Additionally, the airport will serve as a hub for exporting local products, further driving economic growth in the area.
