CM Mohan Yadav stated that development and environmental protection must be harmonised in a planned manner, ensuring that nature conservation alongside progress. He noted that India’s ancient construction traditions still guide the field of engineering. He explained, citing the example of Bhopal’s Upper Lake, that it was built without blocking any main river channel, utilising a technique that stores water between natural rock formations. This lake is not merely ornamental but also a grand source of drinking water. Its structure allows excess water to flow out naturally, reducing maintenance costs. CM Dr. Yadav further explained that today, while constructing roads, underpasses are being built beneath bridges to enable tigers and other wildlife to cross safely without affecting traffic. It is merely not the application of technology, but a prime example of harmonising ecological preservation with development. Due consideration must be accorded to the quantity of construction materials, the quality of design and overall cost-effectiveness. In construction, quality must take precedence over quantity. An engineer should possess equal proficiency in science, mathematics, and technology, and utilise the available resources to their fullest potential. Quality matters more than quantity in construction. An engineer should have equal mastery over science, mathematics & technology and use available resources in the best possible way.
CM Dr. Yadav expressed these views at the inauguration of a one-day seminar-cum-training workshop on ‘Coordination with Environment’ organised under the Public Works Department’s motto — ‘Public Works for Public Welfare’. The Chief Minister performed Deep-Prajjwalan at Ravindra Bhavan to inaugurate the workshop. The program began with the collective singing of the national song Vande Mataram and the national anthem Jana Gana Mana. On this occasion, the department also screened a short film focusing on environmental sensitivity.
Build for Future Generations
CM Mohan Yadav said that we should undertake projects that make us proud and remain useful for future generations. Even within departmental scope and rules, engineers should use creative thinking to find solutions so that projects excel in quality, cost, and environmental standards. He congratulated Public Works Minister Shri Rakesh Singh for initiating the workshop on ‘Coordination with Environment’ and expressed confidence that such events would not only enhance technical knowledge but also bring positive changes to departmental functioning. CM Dr. Yadav added that this commitment is not merely for technical training but also symbolises purity of mind, patience and dedication — qualities essential for ensuring that environmental protection is upheld along with development.
Development Will Never Derail from the Track of Environmental Protection
Public Works Minister Shri Rakesh Singh said this may be the first time that all engineers of Madhya Pradesh have connected simultaneously through physical and virtual means. Expressing gratitude to CM Mohan Yadav, he said the Chief Minister has ensured that the state’s progress will never come at the cost of environmental protection. Shri Singh remarked that true development can be realised only when structural progress goes hand in hand with environmental conservation. He noted that our ancestors constructed structures in ways that allowed future generations to continue reaping their benefits. For example, the 2,000-year-old Anaicut Dam near Tiruchi is still operational, demonstrating the remarkable skill of Indian engineers. Similarly, bricks dating back 7,000 years from Mohenjo-daro were used during the British era as a base under railway tracks and remained intact for decades. These traditions, skills and vision are part of our heritage and must be further strengthened today.
Pothole Repair Timeframe to be Reduced from 7 to 4 Days
Minister Shri Rakesh Singh informed that under CM Mohan Yadav’s leadership, engineers from Madhya Pradesh have been sent to other states to study better techniques. To ensure high quality, the department has decided to purchase bitumen used in construction only from government refineries. He said the Lokpath mobile app has improved road repair management. The repair timeframe for potholes, earlier 7 days, will soon be reduced to 4 days. For environmental protection, the department has taken several concrete steps. Instead of using soil excavated for construction, Lok Kalyan Sarovars are being created. Groundwater recharge bores are being constructed every kilometer. A pledge has also been taken to install rainwater harvesting systems in all departmental buildings, cover all premises with greenery, completely ban plastic bottles in the department, and set up solar panels on all office buildings. Shri Singh expressed confidence that with engineers’ dedication, departmental innovations and CM Dr. Yadav’s guidance, the PWD of Madhya Pradesh will achieve a unique and leading position in innovation, quality, and environmental protection in the country.
PM Gati Shakti Has Made Processes More Transparent, Fast, and Effective
Director General of Bhaskaracharya Institute Shri T.P. Singh briefed about the objectives, achievements and future prospects of the PM Gati Shakti Project, saying that it has integrated data from various departments, making processes more transparent, faster and efficient. Now, details such as land ownership, type (government, private, forest, panchayat, etc.) and all related technical layers are available with a single click. Earlier, departments prepared maps in different scales and formats, creating difficulties in planning. Now, with all datasets accessible on an integrated platform, planning has become smoother. Shri Singh also highlighted the key role of Chief Secretary Shri Anurag Jain in developing the PM Gati Shakti project. He said this initiative combines advanced technologies like geospatial tech, IT, space technology, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. All software and tools are being developed within Madhya Pradesh, saving time and cost while enhancing the state’s technical capabilities. Software to make NOC and approval processes faceless and faster is nearly ready and has already been piloted in some states. He added that the successful promotion of PM Gati Shakti in Madhya Pradesh is due to CM Mohan Yadav’s and Minister Shri Rakesh Singh’s alignment, transparency, and environmental focus.
Engineers are Not Just Technical Builders but Guides for Development
All India Coordinator and environmentalist Shri Gopal Arya said this event on “Coordination with Environment” is perhaps the first of its kind not only in Madhya Pradesh but in the country, and it will set a new trend in the future. Calling himself an engineer as well, he said that for any nation’s development, world-class infrastructure is essential, but it must grow in balance with environmental conservation to be meaningful. Engineers are not just technical builders, he said, but guides for society and future generations. If a country wants to move from developing to developed status, its infrastructure must be both robust and environmentally friendly. He stressed that a decline in tree cover will reduce carbon dioxide absorption, leading to increased greenhouse gases, damage to the ozone layer, and worsening issues such as global warming and climate change. Through a poignant story, he illustrated how nature provides air, water, and other resources freely throughout our lives, yet most people never think of giving back. He described tree planting as not just a campaign but as life insurance for seven generations, continuously providing oxygen, shelter, and resources. He emphasized the need for public participation in biodiversity conservation, water preservation, and reducing plastic use. Principal Secretary of PWD Shri Sukhveer Singh presented the program outline, while MPRDC Managing Director Shri Bharat Yadav delivered the vote of thanks.
Technical Session on PM Gati Shakti and Modern, Eco-friendly Technologies
In the second session, a Q&A was held with Shri T.P. Singh on the PM Gati Shakti scheme. Experts made presentations on mobile apps, GIS portals, Learning Management Systems, and integration solutions developed for the department. These digital innovations will enhance transparency and efficiency in planning, monitoring, reporting, and resource management.
Around 1,700 engineers from across the state participated in the workshop both physically and virtually.