Minister Sampatiya claims just 33,000 trees cut:Tribal Congress President counters, saying over 3 lakh trees have been felled in Singrauli

Singrauli, the most polluted city in Madhya Pradesh, is witnessing protests by Congress leaders and local residents over the felling of 6 lakh trees for the Ghirauli Coal Block. The issue has now reached the court. When asked about the tree felling, Sampatiya Uike, the PHE Minister of Madhya Pradesh and in-charge of Singrauli, said, “The felling of 6 lakh trees is proposed, but only 33 thousand trees have been cut so far.” However, Dr. Vikrant Bhuria, National President of Adivasi Congress and MLA, alleged that the tree count is wrong and claimed that more than 3 lakh trees have already been cut. He appealed to Uike, saying, “As an Adivasi, you should protect the water, forest, and land of Adivasis. Without these, we cannot survive. You must stand with us, even against your own party.” The target of cutting 6 lakh trees, which is being reported, is imaginary. Even though it was stated as six lakh in the assembly, we ourselves went there and saw how the trees are being numbered. One tree is being cut and five to six trees are being left. So far, only 33,000 trees are said to have been cut, whereas in reality, more than three lakh trees have been cut and the government has set a target of cutting 20 to 25 lakh trees. One should not fear for properties. The martyrdom given by Birsa Munda and Tantya Mama will not go in vain.’ Now, know what Minister Uike said… Question: You are the minister in charge of Singrauli. 6 lakh trees are being cut there. What do you have to say about this? PHE Minister: It is repeatedly being said in Singrauli that 6 lakh trees have been cut. I just came from Singrauli yesterday. It emerged in discussions there that 6 lakh trees have not been cut; rather, only 33 thousand trees have been cut so far. The felling of 6 lakh trees is proposed, but not that many trees have been cut yet. Under development works, felling will occur gradually as per requirement. All trees that have been cut were felled under all rules and provisions. It is not correct to say that 6 lakh trees have already been cut. 6 lakh trees are proposed, not cut. Enumerated Two Years’ Achievements PHE Minister Sampatiya Uike enumerated the achievements of her department on the completion of two years of the Mohan government at Jal Bhawan, Banganga, Bhopal. During the press conference, she said that under the Jal Jeevan Mission, the dream of ‘Har Ghar Jal’ (water to every household) is rapidly coming true in the state. The government’s clear focus is to provide safe and pure drinking water to every family. As of December 18, 2025, 81 lakh 21 thousand rural households (72.87%) in the state are receiving pure tap water at home. This is considered one of the biggest achievements to date. Burhanpur becomes India’s first certified Har Ghar Jal district The Government of India has declared Burhanpur as the country’s first certified Har Ghar Jal district. Meanwhile, with the completion of NABL certification for all water testing laboratories in the state, Madhya Pradesh has become a leader in this field in the country. Top-3 in ‘Swachh Jal Se Suraksha’, also received president’s award Madhya Pradesh secured the third position in the country in the Government of India’s “Swachh Jal Se Suraksha” (Safety through Clean Water) campaign. Additionally, Anita Chaudhary from Chhindwara was honored with the President’s Award in the ‘Jal Yodha’ (Water Warrior) category under the Jal Jeevan Mission. Villages Transformed in Two Years In the last two years, more than 13.69 lakh new household tap connections have been provided. 10,440 villages in the state have been declared ‘Har Ghar Jal Gram’ (Every Household with Tap Water Village). Meanwhile, a 24×7 water supply system has been implemented on a pilot basis in 64 villages. Additionally, 15,238 new handpumps and tube wells have been installed. Single tap water schemes have been 100% completed in all districts of Ujjain division, benefiting more than 7 lakh families. Emphasis on law, technology, and digital system The PHE Minister informed that Madhya Pradesh is the first state in the country to implement the Borewell Act for the prevention of borewell accidents. The ‘Jal Rekha’ mobile app has been launched for monitoring schemes and the ‘Jal Darpan’ portal for grievance redressal. The department’s operations have been completely digitized through geo-tagging of 100% sources and tanks of tap water schemes, inventory and tubewell management software, e-governance, and e-office system. The department consistently maintains an ‘A’ grade in the CM Helpline. Direct benefit to women and children Access to water at home has saved women’s time and increased school attendance for girls. Cases of waterborne diseases have been negligible during the rainy season. More than 10 lakh water samples have been tested, and women have been trained to test water using Field Test Kits (FTK). Tap water to reach every home in MP in three years In the next three years, the government aims to provide tap connections to 100% rural households, certify all villages as ‘Har Ghar Jal’ (water to every household), and rapidly implement the mission in tribal areas. Additionally, work will be done towards incorporating renewable energy in water schemes, providing 24×7 water supply, and making drinking water available from surface sources.