- Public awareness should be increased to maintain the integrity of Amarkantak.
- Efforts should be made to conserve and enhance the natural forests.
- A meeting of Narmada Samagra Mission was held under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister.
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has said that the Narmada River is one of the life-giving rivers. Coordination between the government and society is very important for the conservation of the Narmada River. He directed that effective efforts should be made for the conservation and promotion of the source of Mother Narmada and action should be taken continuously to remove encroachments on the river banks. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav directed the officials that in order to maintain the integrity of Amarkantak, public awareness should be increased by the officials, public representatives and representatives of the Special Area Development Authority, so that the conservation of the source can be ensured. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav was instructing the officials in the meeting of Narmada Samagra Mission in Amarkantak today.
The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Forest and Environment and Minister in-charge of the district, Shri Dilip Ahirwar, Minister of State for Cottage and Village Industries (Independent Charge), Shri Dilip Jaiswal, Chairman of Shri Narmada Har Seva Trust and Chairman of Madhya Pradesh Coal Development Authority (Cabinet Minister rank), Shri Ramlal Raut, former District President of Pushprajgarh, Shri Hira Singh Shyam and other public representatives.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, while reviewing the efforts being made for conservation and promotion of forests in Amarkantak area, directed that plants of local species and forest medicinal plants should be planted on priority. Forest department officials informed that special efforts are being made for conservation and promotion of natural forests in Amarkantak area. To enhance the natural form of Amarkantak, plants of local species like Sal, Mahua, Amla, Char, Harra, Gulbakawali etc. are being planted and promoted, so that the underground water level increases and the local forests can be protected naturally. It was also informed that more than 2.50 lakh plants are available in the nursery of the Forest Department.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav directed to strictly ban new construction works in Amarkantak. He said that uncontrolled concrete construction should be prohibited in the Amarkantak area. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav instructed the Collector to take strict action from time to time against illegal encroachment in Amarkantak and Narmada origin site. During the meeting, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav reviewed pollution, wastewater disposal and water management systems in Narmada River. On this, the officials informed that a sewage treatment plant has been established in Amarkantak and continuous efforts are being made to ensure that polluted water does not enter the Narmada River.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav stated that Amarkantak is a major religious and tourist city, home to numerous spiritual and mythological temples. He added that large-scale construction work is underway here, both by locals and outsiders, which needs to be managed in accordance with regulations. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav directed strict restrictions on the use of plastic and alcohol in the Amarkantak area. He said that “no movement” and “no construction” zones should be designated in Amarkantak to ensure the area’s sanctity, environmental balance, and preservation of its cultural heritage.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that on instructions to the officials to ensure that cement and concrete construction does not take place in Amarkantak, Collector Mr. Harshal Pancholi informed that a drone survey of the Amarkantak area has already been conducted. If any illegal construction work is found in this, the administration takes immediate action on it. He also informed that a committee has been formed under the chairmanship of the Commissioner for the development of Amarkantak Special Area Development Authority, Municipal Council and Amarkantak Temple. Through this committee, various important aspects and points related to the development and promotion of Amarkantak are discussed from time to time.
In the meeting, various important points related to the temples, ponds and ghats of Amarkantak including trekking routes, monitoring and management of fire safety, management of forest products, conservation and promotion of biodiversity, movement and status of wildlife were discussed in detail and necessary guidelines were given.
In the review meeting, Padma Shri awardee Mr. Mohan Nagar, Vice President of Jan Abhiyan Parishad, gave information about the cleanliness of the Narmada river ghats being conducted with the cooperation of the society under Narmada Samagra Mission and the Shramdaan work being done with public participation in the tributary rivers and ghats. Additional Chief Secretary Urban Administration and Housing Mr. Sanjay Dubey gave information about the works being done by the department in Amarkantak and the upcoming plans. Additional Chief Secretary Planning Economics and Statistics Mr. Sanjay Shukla informed about the action plan made for the overall development of Narmada river and its achievements. Chief Secretary Forest Mr. Sandeep Yadav gave information about biodiversity, plantation of local species by removing eucalyptus plantation by the Forest Department.
Shahdol Division Commissioner Mrs. Surabhi Gupta, Inspector General of Police Ms. Chaitra N, DIG Savita Suhane, Superintendent of Police Mr. Motiur Rahman, Divisional Forest Officer Mr. David Venkatesh, District Panchayat CEO Mrs. Archana Kumari, Additional Superintendent of Police Mr. Jagannath Markam along with officers of various departments and local public representatives were present in the meeting.