MP to develop 10 cities like Indore; CM Yadav announces state-level Janmashtami event

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has declared that at least 10 cities in the state will be developed on the lines of Indore, as part of preparations for the upcoming Swachh Survekshan.

The announcement came during a Cabinet meeting held at Committee Room No. 1 in the Vidhan Sabha, which began with the rendition of Vande Mataram.

Congratulating citizens for their exceptional performance in Swachh Survekshan 2025, CM Yadav said, “The national-level recognition has made every citizen of Madhya Pradesh proud.”

He extended festive greetings on the occasion of Nag Panchami and lauded Indore for retaining its title as India’s cleanest city for the eighth year in a row, with Bhopal securing the second position.

Sharing state-level progress, the Chief Minister informed that “338 cities in the state have achieved ODF (Open Defecation Free) Double Plus certification and 24 cities have been awarded Water Plus certification.”

He also highlighted Ujjain division’s performance, where “56 out of 66 cities have improved their rankings, and 41 areas received star ratings.” A state-level celebration is scheduled to take place on Janmashtami.

Tourism Push: PM Shri Air Service Now Bookable via IRCTC

CM Yadav announced several initiatives aimed at boosting tourism and investment. A Regional Tourism Conclave focusing on wildlife and lesser-known destinations was recently held in Rewa on July 26–27, with participation from over 80 top tour operators. He informed the Cabinet that major investors have shown interest in projects worth over ₹3,000 crore in Rewa and Shahdol divisions.

Among the key developments:

- A ₹15.6 crore Food Craft Institute was inaugurated in Shahdol.

- Spiritual tourism projects worth ₹27 crore were launched in Chitrakoot.

- Booking for PM Shri Air Service is now available on the IRCTC portal.

- Digital marketing contracts were signed with Barcode Entertainment and Quicky Digital.

- The historic Venkata Bhavan in Rewa will be restored by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts at an estimated cost of ₹20 crore.

- MoUs were signed with Gramin Sudhar Samiti, M.M. Foundation, and Samarth Sanstha to establish arts and crafts centers in Mandla, Dindori, Singrauli, Sidhi, and Seoni.

Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart to Showcase Tourism Offerings

The Chief Minister also announced that the Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart (MPTM) will be organized in Bhopal from October 11 to 13. This event will serve as a platform for collaboration among tourism stakeholders including hoteliers, resort operators, transport agencies, and travel agents.

As part of the build-up to MPTM, two Regional Tourism Conclaves will be held: one in Gwalior (August 12–13) and another in Indore (September 20–21).

Highlighting the state's tourism potential, Dr. Yadav said that unexplored destinations like Dharmrajeshwar in Mandsaur and prominent waterfalls will be developed into tourist attractions.

He also emphasized the spiritual heritage of the region, noting, “The spiritual significance of Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain and Nagdwari in Pachmarhi, especially in the context of Nag Panchami, reflects the deep faith shared by devotees in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.”