Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) Dr Mohan Yadav on Saturday unveiled a series of development projects for Jabalpur, signalling what he described as a new phase of urban transformation for the city. The announcements included the inauguration of the ₹362.31-crore AMRUT 1.0 sewerage project, the commissioning of three large sewage treatment plants (STPs), the launch of a modern laundry facility, a new fish market, and a massive plantation campaign aimed at strengthening environmental conservation.

The Chief Minister inaugurated the AMRUT 1.0 sewerage project and dedicated three newly constructed sewage treatment plants located at Kathonda, Lalpur and Tewar. He also inaugurated a modern laundry equipped with advanced facilities in Civil Lines and opened a permanent fish market in Gurandi, developed at a cost of ₹2.5 crore.

During the event, beneficiaries of the PM SVANidhi scheme were provided with digital cards. C, Dr Yadav also announced the establishment of a furniture cluster to promote furniture manufacturing using timber and declared plans for a Sandipani educational institution, stating that Jabalpur would emerge as a major furniture manufacturing hub.

The programme also marked the launch of an ambitious plantation drive under the 'Catch the Rain' campaign, with a target of planting 1.1 million saplings across the region.

CM Dr Yadav details on PM Modi's welfare initiatives 

Addressing the gathering, CM Dr Yadav credited Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi's leadership for enhancing India's global identity and strengthening public outreach through the 'Mann Ki Baat' programme.

He highlighted several welfare schemes, stating that nearly 800 million people are receiving free food grains, while beneficiaries across the country have also gained access to permanent housing, household tap water connections, toilets and healthcare coverage of up to ₹5 lakh under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.

The Chief Minister added that the PM SVANidhi scheme has empowered thousands of street vendors and small traders, with digital cards distributed to several beneficiaries in Jabalpur during the programme.

'Trees are like sages,' Says CM while launching plantation drive

Emphasising environmental conservation, CM Dr Yadav described trees as being "like sages" in human life, saying they provide clean air and sustain ecological balance.

He said the state government had launched the plantation campaign from Jabalpur with the goal of planting 11 lakh saplings. Referring to the Miyawaki plantation method, he noted that nearly 12,000 saplings can be planted on a single acre, enabling dense forests to develop within three years.

Calling Madhya Pradesh the "maternal home of rivers", the Chief Minister said the state's extensive forests and river systems play a vital role in ensuring water security and ecological prosperity. He added that rivers such as the Narmada benefit neighbouring states including Gujarat and Rajasthan, while rivers like the Chambal and Son contribute to the Ganga-Yamuna river system.

Govt moving towards UCC

Speaking on governance, CM Dr Yadav said the state government is moving ahead with the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) applicable to all communities.

He said more than 30 million SMS messages were sent to seek public feedback, resulting in over one million suggestions being received by the committee constituted for the purpose. According to the Chief Minister, 74 per cent of the suggestions received from Muslim women supported the implementation of the UCC.

He also alleged that previous governments had viewed society through the lens of vote-bank politics, while asserting that the current administration is committed to equal laws for all citizens.