“No Support from Forest Dept”: Kailash Vijayvargiya Slams Officials in CM’s Presence, Seeks Action Before Foreign Visit

Indore, Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh Cabinet Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya has publicly expressed dissatisfaction with the state Forest Department over delays in the supply of saplings during a plantation drive held in Indore. The event, organized by the Indore Municipal Corporation, was attended by Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav and marked the anniversary of the campaign “A Tree in Mother’s Name.”

Addressing the gathering, Vijayvargiya said that the Forest Department had not been cooperating sufficiently with the plantation initiative. “We have planted 7 lakh trees so far. Our target is to plant 51 lakh trees, but we are not receiving the level of support from the Forest Department that we should. I request the Chief Minister to give them proper instructions before going abroad,” he said.

The remarks were made ahead of a massive plantation drive scheduled for July 12, during which 20,000 saplings will be planted at Revati Range Hill. This location gained recognition last year for setting a world record with the plantation of 12 lakh saplings in a single day. This year’s campaign will see participation from schools, colleges, NGOs, residential welfare associations, and industrial groups.

Ongoing Campaign and Community Participation

The tree plantation drive is part of a broader environmental campaign launched by the Indore Municipal Corporation. The initiative, which aims to promote ecological responsibility by encouraging people to plant trees in the name of their mothers, has garnered wide public participation and administrative support.

Minister’s Past Public Interventions

Kailash Vijayvargiya, a senior BJP leader and influential figure in Madhya Pradesh politics, has previously made strong public statements on issues concerning law and order, drug trafficking, and urban culture in Indore.

· In September 2024, he urged the Home Ministry to take strict action against the drug trade and issued a stern warning to the local police in the Pardesipura area to act within three days or face disciplinary action.

· In October 2024, while inaugurating a flyover in the city, he claimed that Indore’s drug network had links to Pratapgarh in Rajasthan, and asked CM Yadav to coordinate with the Rajasthan Police for a broader crackdown.

· In November 2023, Vijayvargiya had also criticized the emerging nightlife culture in Indore, calling it detrimental to the city’s image. His remarks sparked political debate, leading to the imposition of restrictions on nightlife activities in July 2024, including a directive for all commercial establishments to close by 11 PM.

Request for Administrative Coordination

During the recent event, Vijayvargiya reiterated the need for better coordination among state departments to meet the ambitious plantation targets set under various government-led green initiatives. He appealed to Chief Minister Yadav to personally intervene and ensure that the Forest Department provides the required support in a timely manner, especially in his absence during the upcoming foreign visit.