CM Mohan Yadav has emphasied that maintaining environmental cleanliness is a collective responsibility.
CM Mohan Yadav said that a clean environment is essential for the health and prosperity of every citizen in the state. He instructed all departments to take effective steps for environmental protection through coordination and cooperation. Special attention must be given to water and air purity, as the overall cleanliness of the environment depends on these two elements. CM Dr. Yadav was addressing a review meeting on the activities of the Environment Department at the Mantralaya on Monday.
CM Dr. Yadav highlighted that Zoo and Rescue Centers are to be established in Ujjain and Jabalpur, urging authorities to expedite the work and complete it as soon as possible. He stressed that environmental purity ensures the safety of everyone’s life and this message must reach society responsibly. He emphasised that improving the environment is not just the government’s responsibility, society must also actively participate. Only joint efforts of the government and society can maintain a clean and protected environment. He also urged for the speedy completion of boating operations in large water bodies, similar to Dal Lake.
CM Dr. Yadav stated that environment and climate change are vast subjects and require goal-oriented action plans. Action plans for heat control should be prepared and implemented in Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Gwalior, as well as Jabalpur, Rewa, Sagar and Khajuraho. He expressed satisfaction that Amarkantak, Pachmarhi, and Panna have already been declared UNESCO Biosphere Reserves and directed steps to declare Kanha, Pench and Bandhavgarh as UNESCO Biosphere Reserves as well.
Additional Chief Secretary (Forest & Environment) Ashok Varnwal informed that the department plans to establish a state-of-the-art Biodiversity Park in Shahpura, Bhopal, covering around 100 hectares. This is expected to be the country’s first Biodiversity Park. On receiving this information, the Chief Minister instructed that it be developed as a model Biodiversity Park for India and directed that all actions be completed quickly to give Bhopal a new identity in biodiversity conservation. Shri Varnwal further mentioned that encroachment removal in large water bodies will be undertaken after the monsoon. The number of highly polluting (red-category) industries in the state has decreased, improving the environment. Under the National Clean Air Program, proposals have been sent to include three new cities, Mandideep, Singrauli, and Pithampur, alongside the seven existing cities. CM Dr. Yadav instructed a special action plan for pollution control at Vikram Udyogpuri in Ujjain. In the past six months, the department has safely incinerated Union Carbide waste. A software system has been developed for real-time crop-burning monitoring, with data published on a public portal. An updated portal for the State Environment Plan and District Environment Plans is available for all districts. Special campaigns will be conducted for proper disposal of polluting industries and biomedical waste for one week each month, with action taken against violators.
Shri Varnwal also informed that under the Madhya Pradesh State Wetland Authority, the Zoological Survey of India is documenting biodiversity across five Ramsar sites: Bhoj Wetland (Bhopal), Sirpur, Yashwant Sagar (Indore), Tawa Reservoir (Narmadapuram) and Sankhya Sagar (Shivpuri). The department will prepare a comprehensive Mission Document under the Green Madhya Pradesh Mission within the next three months. CM Dr. Yadav directed that the Forest and Agriculture Departments be included in this mission. He also instructed documentation of approximately 247 rivers in the state.
The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Forest & Environment Shri Dilip Ahirwar, Chief Secretary Shri Anurag Jain, Additional Chief Secretary Urban Development & Housing Shri Sanjay Dubey, Additional Chief Secretary Energy Shri Neeraj Mandloi, Additional Chief Secretary Home Shri Shiv Shekhar Shukla, and other departmental officials.