Jabalpur’s Famous Balancing Rock Under Threat as Construction Goes On Rapidly Around It; Voices Raised for Its Conservation

Jabalpur: The Balancing Rock in Jabalpur is known across the country and the world, but no one is paying attention to its conservation. Along with the district administration, the archaeology and tourism departments are also neglecting this natural heritage site. People linked to trade, industry and the hotel business say such neglect is damaging Jabalpur's tourism. Seeing the Balancing Rock as a major heritage site, it should be conserved.

Along with this, development around it should be planned keeping nature in mind. At present, the Balancing Rock appears hidden among bushes. There has been no cleaning around it for months. The archaeology department has also not been able to take any initiative to get it included in the list of protected heritage sites. Stopping the encroachments taking place around it is not even on the administration's agenda. Because of this, its existence is slipping deeper into crisis.

Need for a tourism circuit

Questions are also being raised over permissions being given for rapid construction around the Balancing Rock on Madan Mahal hill. People linked to tourism believe that uncontrolled construction in this area should be stopped. From a tourism point of view, this hill is important in itself. Tourists coming here can spend two to three hours seeing nature and historical heritage. This will increase the number of tourists. Revenue will also increase. The main attractions in this area are the ancient temple of Maa Sharda Devi, the Madan Mahal fort of the Gondwana rulers, the historic temples of Devtal and the Osho Ashram. The Jabalpur Development Authority has also built a garden here. A tourism circuit can be developed by linking all these sites.

People raise concern

"In childhood, we used to visit the Maa Sharda Devi temple. Before that, we would definitely see the Balancing Rock. After this, we used to offer prayers at the Madan Mahal fort and the temples of Devtal. The Balancing Rock is a wonderful heritage of nature and a major tourist centre. Its conservation is very important. We will write a letter to the district administration."

Ravi Gupta, President, Mahakoshal Chamber of Commerce and Industry

"The Balancing Rock on Madan Mahal hill has its own distinct appeal. Everyone is amazed to see this balance of nature. The district administration should get it included in the master plan as a protected hill. Tourism plays a big role in the city's economy."

Prem Dubey, President, Jabalpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry

"The archaeology department should include the Balancing Rock in the list of protected heritage sites. Bhedaghat is the main place to show tourists who come to Jabalpur. After that, we also list the Madan Mahal fort and the Balancing Rock prominently. But tourists are disappointed after reaching there. We must save such heritage sites at all costs."

Rajesh Jain, Hotelier