Bhopal, June 28 (IANS) Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Sunday laid out an ambitious roadmap to develop Kukru hill station in Betul district as a prominent centre of natural beauty and eco-tourism in Madhya Pradesh.

He announced the creation of an integrated tourism circuit linking Kukru with Chikhaldara, Muktagiri and Melghat at an estimated cost of Rs 150 crore. CM Yadav emphasised the promotion of the region’s natural treasures.

Units under the brand ‘Kukru Natural’ will be set up in collaboration with women self-help groups and the Forest Department to process and market local products such as coffee, Kodo Kutki, amla, honey, Harra, Bahera, Safed Musali and Bhilva. Dairy product sales centres for ghee, mawa and curd will also be established.

A Rs 10 crore project for Robusta and Arabica coffee cultivation and processing will be implemented with technical support from the Coffee Board.

The announcement came during the Chief Minister’s visit to the scenic hill station, where he began his day with a yoga session at the rest house premises.

Practising various asanas, including Mayurasana, Tadasana, Vrikshasana, Trikonasana, Bhujangasana and Shalbhasana, along with Nadi Shodhan, Titli and Bhramari Pranayama, Yadav urged citizens to incorporate yoga into their daily lives for better health.

He also launched the Pulse Polio Campaign from Kukru and administered polio drops to children.

Highlighting Kukru’s vast potential, the Chief Minister said the area would be developed with eco-tourism facilities, sunrise and sunset viewing points, modern infrastructure and adventure sports such as trekking.

To empower local tribal communities, homestays will be established and operated on the lines of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation properties, with bookings managed by MP Tourism. This initiative is expected to generate new employment and self-employment opportunities for local residents.

Additional measures include the introduction of advanced cattle breeds and the construction of cattle sheds for livestock rearers, a Rs 5 crore pond for water conservation, and skill training in tourism, hospitality and driving for local youth.

Several infrastructure projects were also announced in response to villagers’ demands, including road construction works, a bridge, a girls’ hostel, a wellness centre and a fair price shop.

Yadav assured that the budget for Kukru’s development would be enhanced if required and directed officials to prepare comprehensive action plans for holistic growth encompassing tourism, environmental conservation and basic amenities.

–IANS

sktr/pgh