Former Finance Minister and MLA Tarun Bhanot has alleged that the development and beautification of banks of river Narmada in Gaurighat and Tilwaraghat has not been initiated even after more than a year of budget approval. The work was approved in the budget for the year 2019-20. He in a letter penned to the Chairman of Narmada Valley Development Authority (NVDA) stated that despite financial provision in the budget and correspondence with the Chief Secretary of NVDA for administrative approval, no action has been taken in this direction.

Congress MLA Bhanot said Gaurighat and Tilwaraghat in Jabalpur hold religious significance for people who have faith in Maa Narmada. Lack of maintenance of these river banks resulted in their deteriorating condition. Expressing worry over non-commencement of works even after more than a year of budget approval, he said the unwarranted delay on the part of concerned authority is brewing anger among Jabalpurians. Bhanot appealed the Chairman of Narmada Valley Development Authority to initiate the development and beautification work at the approved river banks without any further delay.

Bhanot said when he was the Finance Minister a budget of Rs 129.54 crore was allocated for the project. However, with the change in the government, no concrete steps have been taken towards the implementation of the approved proposals. He demanded the NVDA to ensure swift action for early start of development and beautification works at Gaurighat and Tilwaraghat, which hold religious significance for the people of Sanskardhani and are in dire need of maintenance.