Open Air Museum at Sonakhan and Balodabazar-Bhatapara Tourism Circuit | 21 Dec 2022

Why In News?

• On December 20, 2022, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel inaugurated the grand Open Air Museum and Balodabazar-Bhatapara Tourism Circuit built at Sonakhan in District Balodabazar-Bhatapara.

Key Points

• A grand open air museum has been constructed at Sonakhan by the district administration Balodabazar-Bhatapara to develop the birth and workplace of Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh according to his pride.
• This museum built in Sonakhan will be the first of its kind in the state, where the biography of Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh is being displayed through audio-visual setup and a special metal curtain steel.
• A special kind of curtain steel has been used to showcase the glorious story of Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh, who opened a front against the British rule in the freedom struggle of 1857. Corten steel is a type of metal that already has a layer of rust attached to it. The special thing is that this metal does not harm nature. Amidst the greenery of Kurupath mountain, its panoramic beauty is seen.
• The biography of Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh is engraved on the tall and beautiful panels made of Corten Steel, whose magnificence can be seen in the day as well as in the night. Amazing setup of lights make it special and different.
• There is an audio setup on all the panels, through which the story of Martyr Veer Narayan Singh's birth to revolution and sacrifice can be heard. This audio is available in Hindi, English and Chhattisgarhi languages. People coming here can decide the language of the audio according to their choice.
• Corten steel has been used in the country to make art works in various great projects. It has been used in Kashi Vishwanath corridor, Bihar museum and prestigious projects of many countries.
• There will also be parking and canteen arrangements in the museum. Canteen arrangements will be run by self-help groups. Along with this, entry to the museum will be free for the people coming here. This innovation will boost tourism and also provide employment to the people.
• The Balodabazar-Bhatapara tourism circuit includes Giraudpuri, the birth and workplace of Baba Guru Ghasidas, Sonakhan, the birth and workplace of Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh, Damakheda, the famous shrine of Kabir Panthis, Turturiya, Siddkhol Falls, Balar Dam, Siddheshwar Temple Palari and Shiva Temple of Narayanpur. Various facilities will be made available to the tourists visiting this tourism circuit.