Development of Maharashtra's Gadchiroli to get a boost as steel and mining hub

Mumbai: The development of once-badly-Naxalite-affected Gadchiroli district is all set to get a major boost with its transformation as a steel as well as a mining hub.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, during his day-long visit to New Delhi on Friday, called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss various aspects of the development projects of Gadchiroli.

Located in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, Gadchiroli is spread over 14,412 sq km.

The district is divided into six sub-divisions -- Gadchiroli, Chamorshi, Aheri, Etapalli, Desaiganj and Kurkheda and each sub-division has two talukas.

There are three municipalities, nine nagar panchayats, 457 gram panchayats and 1688 revenue villages in Gadchiroli.

Fadnavis, who is the state’s Home Minister and also the Guardian Minister of Gadchiroli, is personally overseeing the development.

“Had a long, insightful discussion on several key matters with the PM. We have made remarkable progress in the steel sector, especially in developing Gadchiroli as the ‘steel city’, transforming it into a major hub for the industry,” said Fadnavis.

The Lloyds Metals and Energy Ltd (LMEL) operates an iron ore mine in the Surjagarh Hills of the Gadchiroli district. The upcoming steel plant of the JSW Group in the Gadchiroli district involves an investment of Rs one lakh crore.

“We requested the PM for Centre’s support in further developing Gadchiroli as a leading mining hub too,” he added.

The important deposits in Gadchiroli district are iron ore, limestone, diamond. Mainly, the iron ore deposits are found in Surjagad and Bhamragad areas of the district. Limestone deposits are in Devalmali and Katepalli areas while diamonds are found in Wairagad area of the district.

It may be recalled that Fadnavis spent the New Year Day in Gadchiroli districts during which he inaugurated several projects, interacted with locals and children and held review meetings with the district administration and police machinery.

“North Gadchiroli has become completely Naxal free. South Gadchiroli too very soon would be Naxal free and I am very sure about that…Naxalism is nearing its end in Maharashtra. Gadchiroli is not the last district, but first district. In the last four to five years, there has not been any recruitment of Maoist cadres. Besides, several Naxal commanders have surrendered and this has completely broken the backbone of the outlawed movement,” Fadnavis had said in Gadchiroli.

The visit and efforts of Fadnavis also earned the praise of Modi, who had said: "I laud the Maharashtra government's efforts to ensure all-round development in remote and Maoist-affected areas. This will certainly boost 'Ease of Living' and pave the way for even more progress. A special congratulations to my sisters and brothers of Gadchiroli and the surrounding areas.”