Bhopal/Dhar: Madhya Pradesh received a major development boost on Tribal Pride Day as the state government inaugurated the Dahi Micro Lift Irrigation Project worth ₹1,353.18 crore in Dhar district on November 15. The project is expected to provide irrigation facilities to 126 villages across Dhar and Alirajpur districts, benefiting farmers through the supply of Narmada water.
The inauguration was held at Dahi in Dhar district by Governor Mangubhai Patel and Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav on the occasion of the 151st birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined the programme virtually and paid tribute to tribal freedom fighters and community leaders.
The project will benefit 84 villages in Dhar district and 42 villages in Alirajpur district. It is expected to provide irrigation facilities across approximately one lakh hectares of agricultural land, offering significant support to farmers in the region.
During the programme, the Governor and Chief Minister also visited stalls set up by various government departments and exhibitions showcasing initiatives for tribal development. They distributed benefits under different public welfare schemes to eligible beneficiaries and honoured women who have worked with dedication towards tribal development and empowerment.
BJP Madhya Pradesh President Hemant Khandelwal, Cabinet Ministers Kailash Vijayvargiya and Kunwar Vijay Shah, along with several public representatives, were also present.
PM Modi Pays Tribute to Tribal Freedom Fighters on Tribal Pride Day
Addressing the programme virtually, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India’s rich legacy of tribal heroes and freedom fighters. He paid tribute to several personalities, including Radhoji Bhangre, Bhagoji Naik and Veer Baburao Sedma, whose contributions are associated with the country’s struggle against colonial rule.
The Prime Minister said that November 15 has been observed as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas since 2021 to honour Bhagwan Birsa Munda and recognise the contributions of tribal communities to India’s history and freedom movement.
He noted that the occasion has gradually developed into a national celebration. Referring to the previous year’s celebrations, Modi said that more than two lakh programmes were organised across the country to mark Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary.
The Prime Minister also said that India had earlier organised many celebrations through a foreign perspective, whereas the country is now placing its own national pride, heritage and historical contributions at the centre of such occasions.
Tribal Freedom Fighters Made Significant Contributions to India’s Freedom Movement
Highlighting the role of tribal communities in India’s independence movement, Prime Minister Modi recalled several historical uprisings and personalities who challenged colonial rule.
He mentioned the Kol Movement in Chotanagpur and the Santhal Revolution, saying that tribal communities had consistently raised their voices against injustice and exploitation.
The Prime Minister also paid tribute to prominent tribal personalities and freedom fighters, including:
- Tantya Bhil: Remembered for his resistance against British rule.
- Rani Gaidinliu: A prominent freedom fighter who led resistance against colonial rule.
- Alluri Sitarama Raju: Known for his role in the tribal-led Rampa Rebellion.
- Rani Durgavati: Remembered for her courage and contribution to India’s history.
- Bhagwan Birsa Munda: Whose movement during his youth continues to inspire generations of Indians.
Modi said that the sacrifices of these heroes and heroines continue to inspire the country and strengthen its national identity.
He further stated that more than 170 projects related to tribal regions were inaugurated and over 70 projects received foundation-laying ceremonies across different states on the occasion. These initiatives include tribal museums and development projects related to education.
According to the Prime Minister, projects worth approximately ₹30,000 crore were dedicated to the country as part of the nationwide celebrations.
PM Modi Highlights Government Initiatives for Tribal Welfare
During his address, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the Centre’s efforts to improve living conditions in tribal and underdeveloped regions.
He said that approximately 50 crore people had come out of extreme poverty and described the reduction of Naxalism and Maoist violence as another major achievement. According to him, both developments have had a significant impact on tribal communities.
The Prime Minister said that the government has introduced several initiatives to ensure that tribal families receive better access to housing, healthcare, electricity, education and livelihood opportunities.
He highlighted the following initiatives:
- PM-JANMAN Scheme: Focused on improving the socio-economic conditions of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
- Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan: Aims to improve infrastructure and basic services in tribal-majority villages.
- Ayushman Bharat: Provides eligible beneficiaries with health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh.
- Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana: Supports housing for poor and eligible families.
- MUDRA Yojana: Provides collateral-free loans to eligible entrepreneurs and small businesses.
- PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana: Focuses on improving agricultural productivity and development in 100 identified agricultural districts.
Modi said that the Centre had allocated a combined budget of ₹1 lakh crore for the PM-JANMAN Scheme and the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan.
PM Modi Highlights Housing, Electricity and Healthcare Achievements
The Prime Minister also highlighted improvements in basic infrastructure and public services across rural and tribal areas.
He said that more than four crore houses had been constructed for poor families under government housing initiatives. He also noted that electricity had reached 18,000 villages that had remained without power even after independence.
Speaking about healthcare, Modi highlighted the Ayushman Bharat scheme, under which eligible families receive free treatment coverage of up to ₹5 lakh.
He also said that more than 1.75 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs had been established across the country to improve access to primary healthcare services.
According to the Prime Minister, the expansion of sanitation facilities, toilets and healthcare centres has helped address several health-related challenges in different parts of the country, including tribal regions.
Poor and Tribal Families Are Getting New Opportunities, Says PM Modi
Prime Minister Modi said that government initiatives have helped economically weaker sections and tribal communities become part of the country’s broader development process.
He highlighted the MUDRA scheme, under which eligible individuals can access loans without collateral to establish or expand their businesses.
The Prime Minister also referred to the development initiatives in more than 100 Aspirational Districts and over 500 Aspirational Blocks, where special attention is being given to infrastructure, public facilities and the protection of citizens’ rights.
He added that the PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana would focus on 100 districts with relatively weaker agricultural performance to improve farming opportunities.
Modi said that the principle of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ had helped poor families gain confidence and access new opportunities, enabling many to overcome poverty.
CM Mohan Yadav Says Narmada Water Will Transform Farming in Dhar
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav expressed happiness over the inauguration of the Dahi Micro Lift Irrigation Project and described it as a major gift for the region.
Referring to the availability of Narmada water, the Chief Minister said that the moment was special for farmers in Dhar and neighbouring districts.
Quoting the famous couplet by poet Rahim, ‘Rahiman paani raakhiye, bin paani sab soon’, he emphasised the importance of water in agriculture and rural life.
Yadav said that farming remains incomplete without adequate water and that the lack of irrigation facilities often forces people to migrate from villages in search of better livelihood opportunities.
He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for bringing development initiatives to different districts of Madhya Pradesh, particularly Dhar, Jhabua and Alirajpur.
The Chief Minister also referred to another major irrigation-related project in Sardarpur, worth approximately ₹4,000 crore, whose inauguration had taken place less than 15 days earlier.
Dahi Irrigation Project to Provide Narmada Water to 126 Villages
The ₹1,353.18-crore Dahi Micro Lift Irrigation Project is among the major infrastructure initiatives aimed at improving agricultural conditions in western Madhya Pradesh.
The project will provide irrigation water from the Narmada River to villages located in Dhar and Alirajpur districts.
Its key details include:
- Total project cost: ₹1,353.18 crore.
- Villages in Dhar district: 84.
- Villages in Alirajpur district: 42.
- Total villages to benefit: 126.
- Expected irrigation coverage: Approximately one lakh hectares.
The project is particularly significant because the Narmada River is located around seven kilometres from the area, while the irrigation network is expected to carry water up to 58 kilometres away.
The Chief Minister said that the project would bring substantial relief to farmers by improving irrigation access and reducing dependence on rainfall.
Government Committed to Tribal Development, Says CM Mohan Yadav
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav reiterated that his government is committed to the development and empowerment of tribal communities.
He recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had celebrated his birthday in Dhar last year and thanked him for supporting the development of the PM MITRA Park project in the region.
According to the Chief Minister, the PM MITRA Park is expected to benefit around six lakh cotton-producing farmers across the Nimar-Malwa region and generate employment opportunities for approximately three lakh people in Dhar.
Yadav also highlighted several initiatives undertaken by his government to honour tribal icons and preserve their cultural heritage.
He said that the government established a university in Khargone in the name of Tantya Mama after assuming office. He also mentioned the efforts to give the Bhagoria festival recognition as a national festival.
The Chief Minister said these initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to recognising tribal contributions and ensuring their participation in the state’s development.
Tribal Pride Day Highlights Development Alongside Recognition of Tribal Heritage
The Tribal Pride Day celebrations in Madhya Pradesh brought together two major themes: recognition of the contributions of tribal freedom fighters and development initiatives aimed at improving the lives of tribal communities.
While Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the historical role of tribal heroes in India’s freedom struggle and the Centre’s welfare programmes, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav focused on infrastructure development and irrigation facilities in western Madhya Pradesh.
The inauguration of the Dahi Micro Lift Irrigation Project is expected to be particularly significant for farmers in Dhar and Alirajpur, as access to Narmada water could improve agricultural opportunities across 126 villages.
The programme also highlighted the government’s focus on connecting tribal heritage, rural infrastructure, agricultural development and employment opportunities.
