Tourism, Forest Departments to Coordinate for Homestay Promotion: CM Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has directed the Tourism Department to work in close coordination with the Forest and Culture Departments to expand tourism activities and ensure their effective implementation across the state. He said such coordination would also help promote homestays in rural and forest regions, creating new livelihood opportunities for local communities.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav instructed officials reviewing the activities of the Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation (MPSTDC) at the Ministry to ensure that approvals required for tourism projects and initiatives aimed at encouraging private investment are issued without delay. He emphasised the need for a swift, transparent and investor-friendly approval mechanism at every level. The review meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Shri Ashok Barnwal, Additional Chief Secretary Shri Neeraj Mandloi, Managing Director of MPSTDC Dr. Ilaiyaraja T., and other senior officials.

Convention Centres to Be Developed Through Private Investment

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav directed that wayside amenity centres being developed along national highways, state highways, and greenfield corridors should be equipped with hospitals, trauma centres, petrol pumps, EV charging stations and other essential public facilities. He also asked officials to explore operating these facilities through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The Chief Minister further instructed that convention centres be developed in all major cities by encouraging private investment. Stressing the importance of religious tourism, the Chief Minister said every possible effort should be made to improve connectivity and visitor amenities at major pilgrimage destinations across the state.

Tourism Industry Status Under Consideration

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav directed that food and prasadi arrangements be made at intervals of every 15 to 20 kilometres along the routes of the upcoming Kanwar Yatra during the holy month of Shravan. He also instructed that pilgrim facilitation centres be established along the route with active participation from religious organisations and the public.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, highlighting the cultural significance of the Bhagoria Festival, described it as one of Madhya Pradesh’s unique tribal festivals and directed officials to announce next year’s festival dates well in advance and launch a nationwide promotional campaign.

A detailed review of departmental activities was also undertaken. Officials informed the Chief Minister that the process of granting industry status to the tourism sector is currently underway.