Bhopal June 28, 2026

For two days, the spotlight shifted from the corridors of power to the quiet hills of Kukru in Betul district. Surrounded by forests, rolling valleys and rich biodiversity, the little-known hill station hosted Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav, whose visit was as much about experiencing the region as it was about unveiling a roadmap to transform it into one of Madhya Pradesh's major tourism destinations. The visit ended with a series of announcements that seek to combine tourism, livelihoods and environmental conservation, while preserving Kukru's natural character.

Nestled in the Satpura ranges near the Maharashtra border, Kukru is known for its pleasant climate, dense forests and panoramic sunrise and sunset views. The surrounding landscape is home to rich flora and fauna, natural streams and tribal communities that have lived in harmony with nature for generations. Officials believe these natural strengths can make Kukru an important eco-tourism destination if development is planned carefully.

Addressing local residents during his visit, Dr Yadav announced that a Rs 15-crore integrated tourism circuit will be developed to connect Kukru with Chikhaldara, Muktagiri and Melghat, creating a larger tourism network across the region. The plan also includes the development of eco-tourism facilities, modern eco-resorts, improved visitor amenities, trekking routes and adventure activities. He said additional funds would be provided if required to realise the project's full potential.

The Chief Minister's itinerary reflected the government's effort to showcase Kukru beyond conventional tourism. He began Sunday with a yoga session in the scenic surroundings of the hill station, practising several yoga postures alongside local residents and encouraging people to make yoga part of their daily lives. From Kukru, he also launched the Pulse Polio campaign and reviewed the proposed tourism development plan for the area.

Tourism, however, was only one part of the larger vision.The government wants local tribal communities to become active partners in Kukru's growth. Home-stays will be developed and managed with the support of the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, allowing visitors to experience local culture while creating new income opportunities for villagers. Local youth will receive training in tourist guiding, driving and hotel management through the National Skill Development Corporation, preparing them for jobs that tourism could generate.

Kukru is also emerging as an important coffee-growing region. During his visit to the historic coffee plantation, established in 1944, Dr Yadav reviewed cultivation and processing activities and stressed the need to connect more local farmers with coffee production. The government has also proposed Rs one crore project to promote Robusta and Arabica coffee cultivation and processing, with technical support from the Coffee Board and the Forest Department.

The tourism push is being linked with the local economy as well. Kukru is known not only for its coffee but also for millet, amla, honey, harra, baheda, safed musli and other forest produce. These products will be marketed under the 'Kukru Natural' brand through self-help groups and Forest Department-supported outlets, helping local communities earn greater value from the region's natural resources. Dairy products such as rabri, khoa and curd will also be promoted through dedicated sales centres.

The visit also offered glimpses of rural life that went beyond official meetings. Dr Yadav interacted with farmers, drove a traditional plough in a maize field, discussed natural farming practices, appreciated the work of women self-help groups and encouraged coffee cultivation alongside fruit trees. He also met villagers, reviewed local development needs and announced investments in roads, water conservation, education and public infrastructure. Appointment letters were distributed to newly selected forest guards, while the "Betul Darshan" tourism booklet was released to promote the district's natural, cultural and religious attractions.

For years, Kukru has remained one of central India's lesser-known hill destinations, known largely to local travellers and nature lovers. The announcements made during the Chief Minister's visit indicate that the government now wants to place it firmly on Madhya Pradesh's tourism map. If the plans take shape as envisioned, Kukru's greatest attraction will continue to be its forests, biodiversity, cool climate and peaceful landscape, supported by tourism that creates opportunities for local communities while protecting the region's ecological heritage. Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Durgadas Uikey, senior MLA and BJP state president Hemant Khandelwal, Madhya Pradesh Scheduled Tribe Commission member Mangal Singh Dhurve, Madhya Pradesh Jan Abhiyan Parishad vice-chairman Mohan Nagar, Betul Collector Dr Saurabh Sanjay Sonawane, Superintendent of Police Virendra Jain and Divisional Forest Officer Laxmikant Vasanik were among the senior officials and public representatives present during the Chief Minister's two-day visit.