Chitrakoot Development to Preserve Natural Beauty and Heritage : CM Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has stated that the natural beauty and historical heritage of Chitrakoot will be preserved even as development takes place. He said that there is no need for large-scale construction in Chitrakoot. The state government’s focus will be on ensuring that the Mandakini River remains clean and perennial, providing easy access for devotees to have the darshan of Lord Kamtanath and to obtain prasad with convenience. The development of Chitrakoot will be guided by the suggestions of Prabuddhjans, saints, and the general public.

CM Dr. Yadav said, “The Hermitage of Lord Shri Ram, Chitrakoot, will be developed as a center for both religious and rural tourism.” Projects related to road widening, beautification of the Parikrama Path, and development of religious places will be expedited. The Chief Minister made these remarks while interacting with Prabuddhjans at Aarogyam in Chitrakoot on Sunday.

Citizens’ Voluntary Support and Ongoing Development

CM Dr. Yadav appreciated the people of Chitrakoot for their voluntary participation, noting that residents at 163 locations have offered their land for developmental works by removing their own structures, a remarkable initiative. He said that the government is making continuous efforts to enhance milk production in the state. Chitrakoot Gramodaya University and Deendayal Research Institute should train farmers and youth in modern cattle-rearing techniques to support this effort. The Chief Minister informed that the ongoing construction projects worth ₹2,800 crore in Chitrakoot are expected to be completed by April next year.

CM Dr. Yadav emphasised that rural tourism and employment opportunities will grow through the promotion of homestays. He extended greetings on the occasion of Diwali and directed the district collector to prepare a development plan for Chitrakoot based on the suggestions received from saints, intellectuals and citizens. The Chief Minister paid floral tribute at the statue of Bharat Ratna Rashtrarishi Nanaji Deshmukh at Aarogyam.

Major Development Initiatives and Project Plans

Member of Parliament Shri Ganesh Singh said that obstacles in the construction of Dauri Sagar should be resolved soon, as completion of the dam will rejuvenate the Mandakini River and further support Chitrakoot’s development.

District Collector Dr. Satish Kumar S. informed that a comprehensive ₹5,000 crore plan has been prepared for the integrated development of Chitrakoot, which includes projects worth ₹2,800 crore to be completed by April next year. The plan encompasses the creation of urban forests, construction and beautification of ghats, road improvement, river cleanliness, development of the Parikrama Path and related works. Proposals also include the establishment of industrial units and educational institutions in the Majhgawan area.

On the occasion, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav released the booklet ‘Ramchandra’ — a pictorial narrative on the life of Lord Shri Ram, published by the Madhya Pradesh Culture Council. DRI’s Organizational Secretary Shri Abhay Mahajan welcomed the Chief Minister and guests, presenting details of ongoing efforts for Chitrakoot’s development.

The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Urban Development and Housing Smt. Pratima Bagri, State President and MLA Shri Hemant Khadewal, MLA from Chitrakoot Shri Surendra Singh Gaharwar, Nagar Panchayat Chairperson Smt. Sadhana Patel, Vice-Chancellor of Gramodaya University, Prof. Bharat Mishra, Padma Shri Dr. B.K. Jain, Shri Sitaram Batham, representatives of the Gayatri Parivar, Commissioner of Rewa Division Shri B.S. Jamod, IG Shri Gaurav Rajput and a large number of citizens.

Diwali Celebration and Cultural Harmony

During his visit, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav performed Deepdaan at the Panchavati Ghat on the banks of the River Mandakini during the Diwali Mela at Aarogya Dham. He extended warm Diwali greetings and conveyed wishes for happiness and prosperity to all citizens.

CM Dr. Yadav said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s Sanatan culture is flourishing. The governments of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh are working together to strengthen Chitrakoot’s spiritual, tourism and pilgrimage facilities. He said, “In the coming times, the grandeur and glory of Chitrakoot will increase even more.”

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav also admired an exhibition based on the virtues of Lord Shri Ram displayed at Panchavati Ghat. He interacted with children performing the traditional Dewari dance, distributed sweets and gifts among them, and shared festive joy. CM Dr. Yadav also met and honoured the saints and sages of Chitrakoot at Panchavati.