DECLARATIONS MADE BY THE CHIEF MINISTER

• • • • • • • The state government has sanctioned Rs 1,500 crore for putting up sewage treatment plants in 18 districts situated on the banks of the Narmada river. The Chief Minister has already declared that all liquor shops within a 5 km radius of Narmada will be closed down. Since April 1, 2017, about 65 liquor shops have already been closed. In addition, 572 more liquor shops would also be shifted in compliance with the court’s orders. Liquor selling licenses would not be allowed on the Narmada River’s banks. Provisions are made to make villages on the banks of Narmada Open Defecation Free. Financial support for construction of toilet would also provided to the families residing without toilets in these villages in the 18 districts of the state In Amarkantak region on the banks of the Narmada, concrete houses with the facility of the sanitation would be built. Concrete shops would be constructed on the banks of the Narmada in Amarkantak. Amarkantak would be developed as one of the most beautiful holy • • • • • • • • • pilgrimage centres of the country. Cremation of dead bodies in the river water pollutes the river. Therefore, for burning the dead bodies near the river area, muktidhams would be established. For women, changing rooms will be built, along with toilets. Narmada Seva Samiti would be formed in every gram Panchayat. A huge afforestation drive on private lands will be launched for areas within one km of both banks of the Narmada. The merger of nallas directly in to the Narmada river would be stopped. In Amarkantak, the under-privileged sections of society in urban areas would be provided housing facilities under the Pradhan Mantri Aawas Yojana. Organic farming would be promoted along the banks of the Narmada. Permission for new buildings would be given for the government high school at Bonder, block Karanjiya, district Dindori. The state has taken initiatives to set up Narmada Seva Mission to coordinate activities of various departments responsible for river conservation.