Complete Static GK 2026 : Chhattisgarh State

Chhattisgarh: The Rice Bowl of Central India – A Complete 2026 Guide for Competitive Exams

Rising from the heart of India as a mineral-rich powerhouse, Chhattisgarh (name reflecting it’s historical 36 fortresses (garhs)) it’s ancient name “Dakshin Kosala”  is a land of dense forests, ancient tribal heritage, and cutting-edge industrial growth. For students preparing for CGPSC, Vyapam, and central exams, mastering the General Knowledge of Chhattisgarh is essential. Since its formation in 2000, the state has undergone rapid administrative expansion—growing from 16 to 33 districts.

Whether you are studying for the 2026 prelims or an upcoming interview, this detailed blog post covers everything from static facts to the most recent power sector developments.

1. Administrative Hub & Leadership (2026)

The leadership of Chhattisgarh is currently focused on the “Viksit Chhattisgarh” vision, emphasizing tribal welfare and industrial modernization.

• Capital (राजधानी): Raipur (Nava Raipur is the planned administrative capital)

• Chief Minister (मुख्यमंत्री): Shri Vishnu Deo Sai

• Governor (राज्यपाल): Shri Ramen Deka

• Formation (स्थापना): 1 November 2000 (Carved out of Madhya Pradesh)

• High Court: Chhattisgarh High Court (Bilaspur)

• Chief Justice (मुख्य न्यायाधीश): Justice Ramesh Sinha (Serving in 2026)

• Official Language (भाषा): Hindi and Chhattisgarhi

2. Geographical & Demographic Profile (भूगोल एवं जनसांख्यिकी)

Chhattisgarh is the 9th largest state in India and is known for its unique demographic structure, including one of the highest sex ratios in the country.

3. Legislative & Judicial Structure

• Legislative Assembly (विधानसभा): 90 Seats (Unicameral)

• Lower House (लोक सभा): 11 Seats

• Upper House (राज्यसभा): 5 Seats

• Number of Districts: 33 (Recent additions include Sakti, Sarangarh-Bilaigarh, and Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur).

4. Hydrology: Rivers, Lakes & Dams (जल संसाधन)

• Major Rivers: Mahanadi (Lifeline of Chhattisgarh), Indravati, Shivnath, Hasdeo, and Arpa.

• Famous Lakes/Wetlands: Dalpat Sagar (Jagdalpur), Budha Talab (Raipur).

• Major Dams (बांध):

  • Gangrel Dam (Ravishankar Reservoir): Dhamtari (Largest dam in the state).

  • Hasdeo Bango Dam: Korba.

  • Khuntaghat Dam: Bilaspur (Arpa river).

5. Culture: Festivals and Folk Dance (संस्कृति)

• Festivals: Bastar Dussehra (World’s longest festival – 75 days), Hareli (Farmer’s festival), Pola, and Madai Festival.

• Folk Dances (लोक नृत्य):

  • Panthi: Performed by the Satnami community.

  • Raut Nacha: Performed by the Yadav community during Diwali.

  • Pandavani: Famous musical narration of Mahabharata (Teejan Bai is a world-renowned artist).

  • Karma & Saila: Tribal dances.

6. National Parks & Wildlife Sanctuaries

Chhattisgarh’s forest cover is approximately 44% of its total area, making it a wildlife haven.

• National Parks: Indravati (Bastar), Kanger Valley (Jagdalpur), and Guru Ghasidas (Koriya – now part of a Tiger Reserve).

• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Tamor Pingla (Surajpur), Sitanadi (Dhamtari), Barnawapara (Mahasamund), and Achanakmar (Mungeli).

• Key Update: The Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve is the state’s 4th and one of India’s largest tiger reserves.

7. Energy Sector: The Power Hub

Chhattisgarh is a power-surplus state and a leader in coal-based thermal energy.

• Thermal Power Plants: * NTPC Korba: One of India’s largest.

  • Atal Bihari Vajpayee Thermal Power Station: Madwa.

  • Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Thermal Power Station: Korba East.

• Solar Power (सौर ऊर्जा): * Maroda Floating Solar Plant (Bhilai): A 15 MW floating project commissioned in 2025 by NSPCL.

  • Solar-Plus-BESS Project: A new 6 MW floating solar plant with Battery Storage (BESS) is being developed at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Thermal Power Station in 2026.

• Nuclear Power: Currently, there are no operational nuclear power plants in the state.

8. Current Affairs Highlights (2025-2026)

• Poshan Udaan 2026: A statewide nutrition awareness campaign launched in January 2026 to improve health outcomes for children and mothers.

• Industrial Growth: In late 2025, the state signed major MoUs to enhance the “Steel and Aluminum Hub” capacity in the Korba-Raigarh belt.

• Education: Expansion of the Swami Atmanand English Medium Schools to rural tribal belts continued into the 2026 academic session.

Conclusion

Chhattisgarh is a unique mix of tribal tradition and heavy industrialization. For 2026 aspirants, the expansion of districts to 33 and the shift towards Renewable Energy (Floating Solar) are high-priority topics. Consistent revision of these facts will ensure you stay ahead in the competitive race.