Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav lauded the remarkable achievements of the Madhya Pradesh Rajya Van Vikas Nigam on the occasion of its 50th foundation anniversary, highlighting its success in restoring forest wealth even in the most degraded landscapes.
Speaking at the inaugural session of a national workshop held at the Indian Institute of Forest Management, the Chief Minister praised the organisation's role in reclaiming ash-filled lands left by mining and power generation.
Dr. Yadav remarked, “Madhya Pradesh Rajya Van Vikas Nigam accepted the challenge of developing forests on ash mountains formed in the process of mining activities and electricity production in state, and restored forest wealth. Rehabilitating forests in three lakh fifteen thousand hectares is a big achievement. Van Vikas Nigam deserves praise for this achievement.”
He added that the state's expertise in forest management is now being sought by other states. Through the adoption of updated technologies, Madhya Pradesh has positioned itself as a leader in forest wealth and is making comprehensive efforts toward forest, forest produce, and wildlife conservation.
Reaffirming the government's commitment to green growth, the Chief Minister said, “Proper management of forests is being done in the state through updated technology. As a result, the state is the best in the country in terms of forest wealth.”
The Chief Minister credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for enabling new possibilities in capacity building and wildlife protection. He noted that the state is actively developing zoos and rescue centres, and emphasized the need for strategic planning for forest areas managed by the Van Vikas Nigam.
“While reviewing the work done so far, the state government is ready to take special innovations and initiatives in the direction of forest development and environmental protection,” he said.
Promoting eco-tourism and sustainable forestry
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav advocated for promoting eco-tourism activities at Van Vikas Nigam centres. Citing the example of Rajasthan, he said, “Jodhpur in Rajasthan has established itself as a major centre of furniture based on mango and babool wood. Madhya Pradesh can also take such an initiative using the available teak and other high-quality timber.”
Highlighting the ecological significance of the state, he pointed out that Madhya Pradesh is a source of major rivers and home to rich biodiversity. “The forests of the state enrich many major rivers of the country with water,” he said, adding that the presence of tigers, gharials, and vultures has elevated the state’s status in wildlife conservation and tourism.
Addressing public health concerns, Dr. Yadav mentioned ongoing preparations for a snake census and efforts to reduce fatalities from snakebites. “Madhya Pradesh is such a region where tigers and humans live together in a spirit of coexistence,” he added.
Golden Jubilee celebrations and Vision-2047 unveiled
The Chief Minister inaugurated the event with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and honoured outstanding officers and employees of the Van Vikas Nigam, including Shri R.K. Namdev, R.S. Negi, Ratan Purwar, P.C. Tamrakar, and Bhagwantrao Bohrpi. He also unveiled Vision-2047, outlining the state’s long-term forest development strategy. A short documentary on the Nigam's journey and achievements was also screened.
Indian Institute of Forest Management Director Shri K. Ravichandran welcomed the Chief Minister with an angavastram and an idol of Lord Shri Krishna.
Forest Minister Shri Dilip Ahirwar highlighted innovations under Dr. Yadav’s leadership, such as the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign and Jal-Ganga Samvardhan Abhiyan for water conservation. “The role of Rajya Van Vikas Nigam is important in all fields,” he said.
Additional Chief Secretary Shri Ashok Barnwal provided historical context, stating that the Nigam, established in 1975, has operated profitably since inception. “The activities of the Nigam, committed to environmental and economic development, are improving not only forests but also people's lives,” he said. With 3.9 lakh hectares of forests developed and treated, he credited officers and staff for this milestone.
The event witnessed the participation of forest department officers, institutional representatives, and students from IIFM, all celebrating the legacy and future of sustainable forest development in Madhya Pradesh.
