Spade in hand, CM Mohan Yadav bridges past and future for ‘Simhastha 2028’
Ujjain, September 27: Amidst preparations for ‘Simhastha 2028’ in Madhya Pradesh, a scene unfolded in Ujjain on Sunday that connected a major development project with emotions as chief minister Dr Mohan Yadav personally wielded a spade at his ancestral home, where he spent his childhood, holds family memories, and witnessed many important life events.
In fact, Chief Minister Yadav personally initiated the demolition of the affected portion of his ancestral home, which was under the road widening for Simhastha. Prior to this, he performed a puja (worship) at home and then went inside to see the house, which is associated with years of memories. The Chief Minister became emotional while working with the spade.
He said that memories of childhood are deeply embedded in the heart. Removing a part of such a house is naturally emotional, but if it is necessary for Simhastha, then this sacrifice must be made. He said that for the development of Ujjain and the convenience of millions of devotees, the city’s residents are also moving back the affected parts of their houses. This ancestral home has witnessed numerous elections and victories, but as public representatives, it is our responsibility to set an example in the development work being done for the welfare of the people. Rules should be equal for all. We should accept what is necessary for governance and public interest and move forward.
It is noteworthy that a large-scale road and urban infrastructure development campaign is underway in Ujjain for Simhastha 2028. In this regard, the approximately 730-meter-long road from Khajoor Wali Masjid to Ganesh Chowk via Abdalpur, Jiwaji Ganj Police Station is being widened by 15 meters. 272 buildings are coming under the purview of this widening. These affected buildings include the ancestral house of Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav and the house of his elder sister and Ujjain Municipal Corporation Chairperson Kalavati Yadav.
The state government has approved an amount of approximately ₹9.80 crore for the road widening and development work. Considering the large number of devotees coming to Ujjain from India and abroad during Simhastha and the increasing pressure of vehicles, there is a plan to make this road more efficient.
Chief Minister’s ancestral house measures approximately 12 by 60 feet. According to the family, it was built by his grandfather, Ramchandra Yadav, in 1974. Chief Minister Yadav and other family members spent their childhood in this house. The house is divided into two family sections. Approximately 2.9 meters (9.5 feet) of the Chief Minister’s portion is being affected by the road widening project, while approximately three meters of his cousin’s house falls within the widening project. The family has agreed to the demolition of the affected portion for the road construction. According to reports, the family has also refused to accept compensation for the affected portion.
When the Chief Minister arrived at his ancestral home on Sunday, he first performed a prayer outside the house. He then went inside and saw the place that holds the earliest memories of his life. He then picked up a spade and began the process of removing the affected portion. The scene became even more emotional when the Chief Minister, looking at his childhood home, remarked that such places are emotionally connected. He added that when personal interests and the broader public interest clash for development, it’s essential to prioritize public interest. “
Chief Minister noted that large-scale road widening is underway in Ujjain in preparation for the Simhastha. This requires making many difficult decisions. Citing his own home as an example, he said his residence is part of the same process that other affected families in the city are going through.
Citing the cooperation of the residents of Ujjain, he said that during the Simhastha, arrangements have to be made for the arrival of many times more devotees than the city’s current population. This necessitates expansion of roads, transportation systems, and other facilities. He added that the city’s residents have also moved portions of their houses to support development.
Citing the cooperation of the residents of Ujjain, the Chief Minister said that the way the people of Ujjain have supported development projects is exemplary. He said that people from different communities have also moved back the affected parts of their religious places and private properties in accordance with the development works.
He said that it is a collective responsibility to prepare the city for big public events. Along with the Simhastha religious event, there is also an opportunity for Ujjain to undertake extensive urban development and expansion of facilities. A massive campaign to develop 500 kilometers of roads
Yadav said that as part of the preparations for Simhastha, large-scale road development work is going on in Ujjain and the surrounding area. About 500 kilometers of roads are being connected under this massive campaign. Due to this, old constructions are being affected at many places and many families are having to give up parts of their properties for development.
Currently, widening and development work is underway on several major roads in Ujjain city, keeping Simhastha 2028 in mind. Plans are underway to increase road capacity and improve traffic in various parts of the city, including Koyla Phatak to Sati Gate, Gopal Mandir, Dhaba Road, KD Gate to Juna Somvariya, Do Talab Nanakheda to Neelganga, and Neelganga to Harifatak Bridge.
