Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has called for a detailed action plan to develop affordable and accessible housing in urban regions, with a focus on the socio-economic realities of residents.
The initiative aims to curb the growth of slums and improve the quality of urban life. Stressing the importance of environmental sustainability, he instructed that all housing projects, including those by development authorities and the Housing Board, must incorporate green spaces and tree plantations.
Chairing a review meeting of the Urban Development and Housing Department at Samatva Bhavan, his official residence, CM Dr. Yadav ordered a full survey of illegal constructions near Bhopal’s Upper Lake. He further directed officials to initiate a campaign to take necessary action against such encroachments.
To elevate urban living standards, the Chief Minister called for involving nationally reputed builders and colonisers in the development of urban colonies. He also emphasised the urgent need to modernise fire services to handle emergencies effectively in both city and industrial zones.
Proposing a new step in urban mobility, he suggested preparing a proposal for a “Namo Train” service to improve intra-city rail connectivity. “I will soon hold discussions with Union Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw to seek support in this regard,” he said.
Dr. Yadav also instructed that special attention be given to housing for Ladli Behnas through government housing schemes. Additionally, urban local bodies were directed to streamline and allocate proper spaces for meat and fish vendors to ensure hygiene and order.
Highlighting inclusive welfare, he called for expanding the Deendayal Rasoi Yojana in pilgrimage centres, encouraging collaboration with voluntary and private stakeholders. He also proposed that urban self-help groups be formed to set up modern laundry services, supported by financial aid and designated spaces.
The Chief Minister underlined the need for speedy allotment of homes built under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) and other housing schemes once ownership processes are complete.
Emphasising urban greenery, he said that city land reserved for development should be converted into city forests (Nagar Vans), with clear guidelines on maintenance and upkeep.
Dr. Yadav also reviewed the promotion timelines within the department. He directed that employees should be promoted on schedule so that recruitment for vacant posts could be planned ahead.
Urban Development and Housing Minister Shri Kailash Vijayvargiya shared updates on ongoing initiatives, stating that a comprehensive plan is in progress for religious and tourist towns.
He revealed, “A Rs. 2,800 crore development plan has been prepared for Chitrakoot town, including an ₹800 crore Detailed Project Report by the Urban Development Department.” He also noted that the Housing Board has been tasked with identifying potential redevelopment (re-densification) projects.
Minister of State Smt. Pratima Bagri, Chief Secretary Shri Anurag Jain, Additional Chief Secretary Dr. Rajesh Rajora, ACS Urban Development Shri Sanjay Shukla, and senior officials were present during the review.
It was noted that under the urban Ladli Behna housing initiative, support will be extended to 1.3 crore women. In the first phase of PMAY Urban, 8.55 lakh houses have already been constructed, while more than 4 lakh applications have been submitted for the second phase.
Points from the government’s ‘Sankalp Patra’ (manifesto) were also taken up during the meeting. According to the document, metro rail lines in Bhopal and Indore will be fully operational by 2027. Under the CM Urban Area Infrastructure Development Scheme, 1,062 projects worth Rs. 1,070 crore have been sanctioned.
The meeting also highlighted that 218 ‘Pink Toilets’ are currently operational across 183 urban bodies. There was also a discussion on extending electric bus services. Furthermore, 333 water supply and sewerage projects amounting to Rs. 11,000 crore have been approved. Authorities were directed to accelerate the rollout of e-governance and online citizen services, and Town and Country Planning activities were reviewed.
Progress in Jal-Ganga Conservation Campaign
The meeting reviewed the Jal-Ganga Conservation Campaign, aimed at water sustainability in cities.
So far, 36 water bodies have been rejuvenated, 38 green zones established, and 3,963 rainwater harvesting systems constructed. Plans for aquifer management and wastewater treatment across 30 drains have also been formulated.