State’s Southern Gateway, Nepanagar to be developed as Major Growth Hub: CM Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that Nepanagar is a remarkable city and a unique confluence of agriculture and industry. He stated that Burhanpur district is a living example of the cultural diversity of Madhya Pradesh, and efforts are underway to develop Burhanpur as a hub for agri-export and processing. He emphasised that the holistic development of the tribal community has always been the government’s top priority.

For the comprehensive welfare of tribal communities, the state government has increased the budget allocation by 26 per cent in the financial year 2026–27, making a provision of ₹47,428 crore to ensure all-around development and welfare of tribal communities. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav stated that works being carried out under the PM Jan-Man Scheme and the Dharti Aaba Tribal Village Utkarsh Abhiyan are writing a new chapter in tribal welfare in the state.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav addressed a Janjatiya Sammelan held on Sunday in the tribal-dominated Nepanagar Assembly constituency of Burhanpur district. He announced 127 development works worth ₹363.82 crore for the assembly constituency. This includes the Bhoomi Poojan of 81 development works worth ₹191.62 crore (including the Bhoomi Poojan of an industrial area at Satpayari worth ₹30.59 crore) and the inauguration of 46 development works worth ₹172.20 crore.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that development becomes meaningful only when its benefits reach the last person in society. He stated that the development works announced today would prove to be milestones in the welfare of the tribal community in the region. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that in the pages of history, Nepanagar is known as the Gateway to the South. Once recognised as Khandesh and the Kashi of the South, the state government will now develop Nepanagar as a major growth gateway of Madhya Pradesh on the Maharashtra border.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav informed that two major irrigation projects in the Nepanagar Assembly constituency—the Jhirmitti Medium Irrigation Project and the Navatha Major Irrigation Project—have received government approval. These projects will transform the lives and livelihoods of 34,400 farmer families in the region.

With a total investment of ₹2,598.97 crore, the projects will provide irrigation to 51,800 hectares of agricultural land in the tribal-dominated region, benefiting 132 villages. The Chief Minister appealed to farmers not to be influenced by misleading statements, assuring that no individual or farmer will be displaced from their homes due to the construction of these projects. He stated that the government will safeguard everyone’s interests.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the Nepanagar Paper Mill is a key landmark of the region and will continue to operate as before. The government will make all necessary arrangements and ensure proper management to keep the mill running. He added that the government will also purchase paper produced by the mill, thereby ensuring continued employment for workers.

Key Announcements by the Chief Minister

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that within the last month alone, Burhanpur district has received development projects worth over ₹1,100 crore through two major programs.

He announced that an Agriculture Faculty will be started at the Government College in Burhanpur. A memorial garden dedicated to Dr. Keshaw Baliram Hedgewar will be developed in Nepanagar. The Primary Health Centre at Dhulkot will be upgraded to a Community Health Centre.

The Lokhandiya–Haseenabad road will be widened, and a high-level bridge will be constructed over the Tapti River in place of the existing causeway. The historic Asirgarh Fort will be developed as a grand tourism destination.

Vanadhikar Pattas granted to forest dwellers will now be converted into property registrations through the Revenue Department, with the state government bearing the registration fee. A fresh survey will soon be conducted to extend the benefits of Forest Rights Pattas to tribal families in the region.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav also stated that crop insurance will be ensured for all types of crops in the Nimar region, known for agriculture, horticulture and spice production. A Regional Investors Summit will also be organised in the region soon.

Irrigation Capacity Increasing Rapidly: Minister Shri Silawat

Water Resources Minister and District In-Charge Minister Shri Tulsiram Silawat said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, irrigation capacity is increasing rapidly. Referring to the two irrigation projects approved for the region, he said they will write a new chapter in the development of the tribal area. He stated that the Tapti Basin Mega Groundwater Recharge Project has also been approved, which will significantly increase irrigation capacity in the Burhanpur district, including Nepanagar. Currently, irrigation facilities are available for 54 lakh hectares of agricultural land in the state, and this will be expanded to 100 lakh hectares by 2029.

Member of Parliament Shri Gyaneshwar Patil said that Nepa Mill plays a vital role in the economy of the Nepanagar region. He urged Chief Minister Dr. Yadav to ensure that the mill continues to operate and does not close under any circumstances. He stated that the state government is working with dedication for the welfare of farmers, workers, students, women and all sections of society.

Burhanpur MLA and former minister Smt. Archana Chitnis stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, Madhya Pradesh is progressing steadily. She referred to the declaration of 2026 as ‘Krishak Kalyan Varsh’ and the state-level Jal Ganga Conservation Campaign beginning on March 19, stating that the government is committed to social welfare. She also noted that the state’s per capita income is continuously increasing due to government efforts. She requested the Chief Minister to organise a staging of the grand theatrical production ‘Samrat Vikramaditya’ in Burhanpur.

Nepanagar MLA Sushri Manju Rajendra Dadu welcomed Chief Minister Dr. Yadav by presenting a bow and arrow amid the lively sounds of traditional tribal instruments such as the mandal and jhanjhar. She said that Nepanagar, being a remote and border assembly constituency of Madhya Pradesh, holds immense potential for development. She also requested restoration of the historic Asirgarh Fort and the development of tourism activities there.

District Panchayat President Shri Gangaram Marko, Vice President Shri Gajanan and Mayor of Burhanpur Municipal Corporation Smt. Madhuri Atul Patel, along with several public representatives, tribal community members, farmers and women, were present during the event.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav and other dignitaries inaugurated the programme by lighting the ceremonial lamp, performing Kanya Pujan and offering floral tributes to Bhagwan Birsa Munda. They also visited the development exhibition set up at the venue, which showcased innovations and initiatives being undertaken during the ‘Krishak Kalyan Varsh’. The Chief Minister appreciated the exhibition.