CM performs deepdaan in Mandakini, vows balanced development

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav visited Chitrakoot on Sunday, where he performed Deepdaan at the Panchvati Ghat of Maa Mandakini in Arogya Dham and paid tribute to a former MLA. During his visit, he met saints and intellectuals, assuring them that Chitrakoot’s development would advance while preserving its natural beauty and historical legacy.
The Chief Minister announced that construction projects worth Rs2,800 crore will be completed by April next year and added that a comprehensive Rs5,000 crore plan has been prepared for Chitrakoot’s integrated development. Emphasizing the importance of balancing progress with heritage preservation, he said there was no need for large concrete structures in the region. Instead, the government’s focus will remain on maintaining the cleanliness of the Mandakini River, ensuring smooth darshan of Lord Kamtanath, and providing convenient access to food and prasad for devotees.
Mohan Yadav stated that efforts are being made to establish Chitrakoot, the sacred land of Lord Rama’s penance, as a hub for religious and rural tourism. He noted that residents have voluntarily offered land at 163 sites to support developmental projects, reflecting their commitment to the town’s spiritual and cultural growth. The Chief Minister directed Collector Satish Kumar S. to gather suggestions from saints, intellectuals, and the general public to create a comprehensive action plan for Chitrakoot’s development.
Accompanying him at the event were Minister of State for Urban Development and Housing Pratima Bagri, MP Ganesh Singh, BJP State President Hemant Khandelwal, and Chitrakoot MLA Surendra Singh Gaharwar, among other dignitaries.
The Chief Minister performed the ritual Deepdaan as part of the Diwali fair celebrations and extended festive greetings to the people of Madhya Pradesh. Speaking to the media, he said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India’s Sanatan culture is thriving. He added that the governments of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh are jointly implementing several projects to boost Chitrakoot’s spiritual and tourism infrastructure, which will enhance the region’s glory and attract more pilgrims.
Later in Satna, the Chief Minister paid homage to former MLA Shankarlal Tiwari at a condolence meeting in Town Hall. He offered floral tributes and met Tiwari’s family members at their ancestral home. Yadav described the late legislator as a dedicated public representative who worked tirelessly for the welfare of the poor and voiceless, saying his demise was an irreparable loss to society.