Bhopal, Aug 11 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Mohan Yadav, emphasized on Monday that the integration of development and environmental stewardship is critical in a structured approach, ensuring that nature conservation accompanies the state's progress.

He acknowledged that India's age-old construction practices continue to influence the realm of engineering.

Referring to Bhopal's Upper Lake, he stated that it was designed without obstructing any primary river flow, employing a method that captures water amidst natural rock formations.

"This lake (Upper Lake) serves not only as a visual enhancement but also as a significant source of drinking water. Its design permits excess water to flow out naturally, which minimizes maintenance costs," the Chief Minister remarked during the opening session of a workshop organized by the Public Works Department (PWD) in Bhopal.

CM Yadav also mentioned that when constructing roads, underpasses are being integrated beneath bridges, allowing tigers and other wildlife to cross safely without disrupting traffic.

"This is not merely a technological application; it exemplifies the balance between ecological preservation and development," he stated.

He highlighted the importance of considering the quantity of construction materials, the quality of design, and overall cost-efficiency.

"An engineer must excel in science, mathematics, and technology, utilizing available resources to their maximum potential. In construction, quality is paramount over quantity," CM Yadav remarked.

Addressing the assembly of PWD engineers from across the state, he urged them to initiate projects that instill national pride and remain beneficial for future generations.

Even within the framework of departmental guidelines, engineers should employ innovative thinking to ensure projects meet high standards of quality, cost, and environmental impact.

Meanwhile, Public Works Minister Rakesh Singh noted that this might be the first instance where all engineers from Madhya Pradesh have connected simultaneously through both physical and virtual platforms.

Singh asserted that genuine development can only be achieved when structural advancement aligns with environmental sustainability.

He remarked that our ancestors constructed buildings in ways that allowed future generations to continue benefiting from them.

Singh disclosed that engineers from Madhya Pradesh have been dispatched to other states to acquire better techniques.

To ensure superior quality, the department has resolved to procure bitumen for construction exclusively from government refineries.