Nature-aligned Architecture is Foundation of our Vastu: Chief Minister Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav stated that nature-aligned architecture forms the very foundation of India’s traditional Vastu. He noted that the present era poses a significant challenge, as society stands at the crossroads of expanding concrete landscapes and shrinking natural resources. Promoting environmentally sustainable construction is therefore essential. The Chief Minister added that it is a matter of pride that we are inheritors of a tradition that developed robust ecological systems for water conservation alongside healthy urban planning. The city of Bhopal, developed by the scholar-king Raja Bhoj, stands as a living example of this legacy.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav was addressing the inaugural session of the All India Seminar on green building technology and the 113th Governing Council meeting of the Indian Building Congress at Kushabhau Thakre International Convention Centre. He inaugurated the programme by lighting the ceremonial lamp. The event was jointly organised by the Public Works Department (PWD) and the Indian Building Congress.

Release of Publications and Exchange of MoUs

Public Works Minister Shri Rakesh Singh welcomed Chief Minister Dr. Yadav by presenting a shawl, a coconut and a memento. The programme began with the rendition of Vande Mataram. On the occasion, an inaugural song of the Indian Building Congress and a short film on the activities of the PWD’s Project Implementation Unit were presented.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav released the PWD souvenir, newsletter, and the Indian Building Congress journal, Built Environment. In his presence, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between IIT Indore and the Public Works Department, focusing on the development of construction technology. Another MoU was signed between the Public Works Department and the GRIHA Council.

Learn from Nature and Progress Alongside It

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav highlighted that Raja Bhoj, through his writings and construction works, gifted India a rich architectural tradition. In ‘Samarangana Sutradhara’, Raja Bhoj clearly articulated the idea of progress in harmony with nature. He referred to the philosophical concept ‘Yat Pinde Tat Brahmande’ (what exists in the body exists in the universe), explaining that green building practices aim to restore this cosmic balance by integrating the five elements—earth, water, fire, air and space—into construction.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav further stated that while GPS is a modern technology, ancient India had already identified key geographical and time-calculation centres, such as Dongla near Ujjain. He also cited remarkable architectural examples at Sringeri on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. Referring to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, he said that ancient knowledge traditions have been effectively integrated with modern science. The Chief Minister also mentioned the Upper Lake of Bhopal and structures around the Shipra River in Ujjain as examples of traditional ecological wisdom.

Ensuring Optimal Use of Resources in Infrastructure Development

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav emphasised that while development remains a priority, it is equally important to ensure optimal utilisation of resources in infrastructure projects. The state is promoting eco-friendly construction, especially in the growing challenge of global warming.

He informed that the state government has launched the Jal Ganga Samvardhan Abhiyan on Gudi Padwa to promote public participation in addressing water challenges. Under this initiative, restoration of wells, stepwells, and other water structures is being undertaken across the state, with Ganga Dussehra on May 25 marking a key milestone. Madhya Pradesh currently ranks first in the country in water conservation efforts, with Dindori and Khandwa districts securing first and second positions, respectively, in water harvesting.

Sustainable Future is a Responsibility: Minister Shri Singh

Public Works Minister Shri Rakesh Singh stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, the department is accelerating infrastructure development through innovation. He emphasised the adoption of traditional Indian construction techniques for sustainable development. Minister Shri Singh noted that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has appreciated the Vedic clock, the development of which is credited to Chief Minister Dr. Yadav.

Minister Shri Singh stated that all buildings in the state are now being developed using green building technologies, and such practices have been incorporated into the department’s training calendar. Highways and flyovers are also being constructed with rainwater harvesting systems. He urged experts to develop cost-effective green building solutions suited to Madhya Pradesh’s diverse geographical conditions so that common citizens can benefit. Minister Shri Singh expressed confidence that these efforts will position the state as a leader in green technology and realise the vision of ‘public works for public welfare’. He reiterated that a sustainable future is not just an idea, but a responsibility that must be implemented today.

PWD Establishing a New Identity

Principal Engineer, Public Works Department and President of IBC Madhya Pradesh Chapter, Shri S.R. Baghel, said that under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, all buildings in the state are now being constructed using green building technologies. IBC President Shri Chinmay Debnath stated that the 113th Governing Council meeting would deliberate on topics such as green building materials, energy efficiency, natural lighting and ventilation, smart technologies, predictive maintenance, 3D printing and prefabrication, with the aim of addressing sectoral challenges.

IBC Founding Chairman Shri O.P. Goyal remarked that the Bhopal chapter is highly active and is adopting new software and technologies in the engineering sector. He noted that the Public Works Department has built a new identity through its committed efforts. The broader goal is to make India self-reliant in infrastructure and contribute to building a developed nation.

The programme was attended by Principal Secretary PWD Shri Sukhbir Singh, General Manager of Building Development Corporation Shri C.B. Chakravarty, IBC Secretary Colonel Anand Mathlekar, along with representatives from around 20 states, city planners, policymakers and senior engineers.