GG News Bureau
Pachmarhi, 5th June: Nestled in the emerald folds of the Satpura ranges, Pachmarhi—Madhya Pradesh’s iconic hill station and ecological treasure—has received a transformative facelift. Guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Virasat Se Vikas” (From Heritage to Development), Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav inaugurated and laid the foundation for a host of tourism development works amounting to over ₹33.88 crore. The initiative is a part of the state’s larger push to elevate heritage-rich destinations into hubs of sustainable and experiential travel.
Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said, “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Madhya Pradesh is consistently advancing towards transforming its legacy into a developmental force. Pachmarhi, known not only for its unmatched natural beauty but also for its deep historical significance, is being developed into one of the most popular tourist destinations by removing infrastructural barriers and creating global-standard facilities.”
Adding to the vision, Principal Secretary, Tourism and Culture, and Managing Director of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, Sheo Shekhar Shukla remarked, “Pachmarhi has always been a top choice for travellers. With consistent upgradation of amenities, we are committed to making every visitor’s experience comfortable, memorable, and meaningful.”
Tourist-Centric Facilities at the Forefront
To further elevate the tourist experience, Pachmarhi’s key attractions are being equipped with upgraded infrastructure and visitor conveniences. These include potable drinking water systems, aesthetically designed pathways, scenic beautification projects, and dedicated ‘Pink Toilets’—operated by local Self-Help Groups (SHGs)—ensuring not only sanitation but also livelihood generation for rural communities. In 2024 alone, the hill station attracted 2,87,579 visitors, a number projected to grow significantly as the new facilities come into operation.
Taking Development to the Heights of Dhoopgarh
At Dhoopgarh, the highest peak in Madhya Pradesh at 1,350 metres, tourists will now have access to clean drinking water. This has been made possible through the completion of a water pipeline and pump house, developed at a cost of ₹60 lakh.
Furthermore, ‘Pink Toilet Lounges’ have been constructed at revered sites such as Jatashankar and Pandav Caves, at an investment of ₹19 lakh, enhancing convenience for women travellers. A stone-paved 4 km pathway has also been developed in the Jaystambh area with an allocation of ₹10 crore, complete with ambient lighting and stylish seating arrangements.
The main entrance of Pachmarhi has undergone grand beautification at a cost of ₹35 lakh, while the Satpura Retreat has been upgraded with a state-of-the-art kitchen, restaurant, and swimming pool with an investment of ₹1.35 crore.
Sustainable Tourism in Focus: A Polythene-Free Pachmarhi
In resonance with the World Environment Day 2025 theme “Beat Plastic Pollution”, Pachmarhi is steering towards becoming a polythene-free zone. A fully automated RO water supply plant—costing ₹34 lakh—is being established to provide drinking water in reusable glass bottles, an innovative move that balances tourist comfort with environmental responsibility.
Meanwhile, comprehensive development worth ₹1.98 crore is underway at Handi Khoh, including temporary sheds, safety railings, amphitheatre, parking, accessible ramps, and approach paths to bolster visitor comfort and inclusivity. Basic amenities at key eco-tourism sites within the Satpura Tiger Reserve—such as Bee Fall, Mahadev, Chauragarh, Duchess Fall, Ramya Kund, Reechgarh, Foot Hill, and Shailanjali—are being developed at a cost of ₹2.13 crore.
Additionally, the heritage Hilltop Bungalow is being transformed into an elegant Heritage Homestay at a cost of ₹6.70 crore, featuring four luxury rooms, a library, swimming pool, kitchen, restaurant, and tasteful landscaping. A ₹9.90 crore community centre is also under construction to serve as a multifunctional venue for weddings, conventions, and high-level meetings, complete with a 500-person indoor hall and a 600-person outdoor lawn.
A central nursery is being established at Hotel Glen View with an investment of ₹34 lakh to support the greening and landscaping efforts across Pachmarhi.
New Fleet of Safari Vehicles for Wildlife Lovers
In a special gesture for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav flagged off 11 new Trex Cruiser safari vehicles. These nine-seater, MP Tourism-owned vehicles will offer a comfortable and secure way for tourists to experience the Satpura forest’s rich biodiversity and thrilling landscapes.
With these sweeping initiatives, Pachmarhi is not only reaffirming its place as Madhya Pradesh’s crown jewel of hill tourism but also setting new standards in environmentally responsible, community-driven tourism development.
