{{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 = 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 = State | subdivision_name1 = Chhattisgarh | seat_type = Headquarters | seat = Jagdalpur | parts_type = Districts | parts_style = para | p1 = 7 (Bastar, Bijapur, Dantewada, Kanker, Kondagaon, Narayanpur and Sukma) | population_as_of = 2011 | population_total = 2500000 | timezone1 = 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 princely state. It was formally organized as a division in 1999, when the historic Bastar district was subdivided into Jagdalpur (Bastar), Dantewada, and 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 and Narayanpur in 2007, followed by Sukma and 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 || Jagdalpur || 1999 || 4,030 |- | Dantewada || Dantewada || 1999 || 3,411 |- | Kanker || Kanker || 1999 || 6,424 |- | Bijapur || Bijapur || 2007 || 6,555 |- | Narayanpur || Narayanpur || 2007 || 7,010 |- | Kondagaon || Kondagaon || 2012 || 7,768 |- | 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 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, Sukma, and 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