Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav announced that a major transformation is underway in Bundelkhand. Addressing a public ceremony on the occasion of Maharaja Chhatrasal Jayanti and Panna Nagar Gaurav Diwas, he said the Ken-Betwa River Linking Project will bring prosperity to Panna, Damoh, Chhatarpur, and the entire Bundelkhand region. “Farmers’ lives will change for the better, and happiness will prevail across the area”, he said.
Dr. Yadav performed Bhoomi-Pujan and inaugurated development works worth over ₹90 crore, including the Shri Jugal Kishore Lok project. He stated that soon, Panna will receive further gifts such as a Medical College.
Highlighting Panna’s historical and natural wealth, the Chief Minister said the land is blessed with courage and immense diamond reserves. He recalled how Maharaja Chhatrasal had wisely chosen Panna as his capital, and that the city is home to the finest diamonds in India. With the development of Shri Jugal Kishore Lok, pilgrims from across the country will be drawn here, promoting tourism and boosting the local economy.
Dr. Yadav emphasized the state government’s commitment to good governance, citing the closure of liquor shops in Panna and 18 other religious towns. He said the government plans to replace liquor shops with milk parlors and promote animal husbandry and cow protection. The honorarium for cows in cow shelters has been raised from ₹20 to ₹40 per day.