Chief Minister Mohan Yadav stated that forests are intrinsically linked to livelihoods. Tribal areas are endowed with rich forest resources, and their management must ensure that the interests of tribal communities are not adversely affected by development. Indian lifestyle has always been forest-centric, and freeing forest management from colonial thinking is essential.
He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has paved the way for progress by integrating heritage with development and achieving harmony between nature and development. The PESA Act is a significant step in this direction. Yadav emphasised that the joy of life lies in holistic living, and nature-based living can automatically solve many problems.
The Chief Minister spoke at the inaugural session of a national workshop on forest restoration, climate change, and community-based livelihood in tribal areas at the Academy of Administration. Along with Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav, the Chief Minister inaugurated the workshop by lighting a ceremonial lamp and offering floral tributes to Bhagwan Birsa Munda and Veerangana Rani Durgavati. Also present were State Women and Child Development Minister Nirmala Bhuria and Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Durgadas Uikey.
Yadav congratulated the Forest Department for improvements in forest conditions and innovations in forest management. He remarked that the conservation of wildlife leads to a healthier ecosystem. He acknowledged that due to Prime Minister Modi’s efforts, the reintroduction of cheetahs in India became possible. He also emphasised the need for developing systems for the conservation of reptiles, including the King Cobra, noting that this would reduce snakebite incidents.
The Chief Minister assured that appropriate arrangements would be made to preserve the places of worship and spiritual significance for tribal communities in forest areas, with support from the central government if needed. He highlighted Madhya Pradesh’s rich forest wealth, stating that although the state lacks glaciers, many of its rivers originate in forested regions.
Rivers such as the Son, Ken, Betwa, and Narmada arise from Madhya Pradesh and provide life-sustaining water to several other states. The forests of Madhya Pradesh, therefore, serve not just the state but the entire nation. The conservation of these forests is critical to ensuring the continuous and clean flow of these rivers. Yadav noted ongoing efforts for the conservation of the River Narmada through the 'Namami Narmada' initiative and mentioned plans for similar efforts for other rivers. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for the Ken-Betwa River Linking Project and the Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal (PKC) Link Project, which will ensure drinking water and irrigation for vast regions of the state.
The Chief Minister also underlined the importance of conserving aquatic species and noted that Madhya Pradesh has earned special recognition in wildlife conservation. He proposed organising an international symposium focused on migratory birds. He expressed hope that the workshop would contribute to both forest conservation and the improvement of livelihoods in tribal areas, promoting socio-economic development along with environmental protection.
Union Minister Bhupender Yadav stressed the need for community-based planning to conserve nature. He mentioned that Prime Minister Modi continuously inspires the public to adopt an environment-friendly lifestyle. Every individual on Earth must conserve energy, food, and water. Solid waste and e-waste management remain major challenges in environmental conservation. Reducing plastic use and embracing healthy lifestyles are essential.
Yadav emphasized that conservation of forests and nature must go hand in hand with development. The central government has initiated efforts to transform the lives of forest dwellers through capacity building.