The Nagrik Upbhokta Margadarshak Manch (NUMM) has raised concerns over the lack of protection for Jabalpur’s famous Balancing Rock and the steady decline in tourist numbers since 2023. Senior office-bearers of NUMM submitted a memorandum to the district administration on Friday, seeking steps to protect the natural landmark and investigate the fall in tourism. They said the Balancing Rock is a unique natural formation in which a huge rock rests in balance on another rock. According to experts in archaeology, the formation is around 2,000 years old.

 

However, the NUMM alleged that the Archaeology Department has neither listed nor identified it under the relevant heritage protection laws. As a result, the landmark has not received the protection it deserves. The NUMM members also expressed concern over the decline in the number of tourists visiting Jabalpur. According to the figures shared by the organisation, the city received 10 lakh tourists in 2021 and 10.3 lakh in 2022. The number rose sharply to 27 lakh in 2023, but fell to 23 lakh in 2024 and 21.6 lakh in 2025-26. The figure further declined to 20.4 lakh in 2026-27. The Manch has demanded the formation of a committee to examine the reasons behind the decline and submit a detailed report at the earliest. It said that steps are needed to protect Jabalpur’s natural and historical attractions and improve tourism in the city. Those present were Dr P G Najpande, advocate Ved Prakash Adholia, Sushila Kanojia, Geeta Pandey and others.