#gadchiroli

Enhance Coal Supply For Maharashtra Power Plants, CM Fadnavis Urges WCL Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis highlighted the urgent need to address coal shortages affecting Maharashtra’s power plants during his address at the 36th National Convention of Mining Engineers and National Seminar in Nagpur. He emphasized that all power plants in the state are currently operating under “critical coal conditions,” urging Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) to ramp up coal supply to ensure efficient functioning. Fadnavis, while speaking at the event, mentioned his discussions with Hemand Pande, CMD of WCL, where he reiterated the challenge of meeting rising demand. “I informed Pande that due to increased demand, all power plants are in a critical coal condition. I requested him to supply coal so that our power plants can operate more efficiently,” he stated. A senior WCL official, who declined to be named, confirmed that the company has already increased coal supply to Maharashtra threefold over the past year. “We are supplying coal at record levels and will strive to ensure energy security for both the state and the nation,” the official said. Fadnavis also underscored the need to transition coal mining from traditional extraction to advanced technologies like coal gasification, which he described as a “circular technology” with transformative potential. He emphasized that carbon capture and utilization should be the ultimate goal, noting that achieving this could “reshape our entire economy.” Fadnavis further outlined Vidarbha’s pivotal role in India’s coal gasification initiatives, stating that four out of the first eight coal gasification projects under the new national mission are being implemented in the region. “Vidarbha will be the new engine for coal gasification,” he declared.#nagpur #devendra_fadnavis #vidarbha #gadchiroli #western_coalfields_limited

Fadnavis calls for future-ready Gondwana University campus Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday emphasized the need to design a modern, academically advanced campus for Gondwana University in Gadchiroli, ensuring it aligns with the institution’s long-term research and educational goals while preserving the region’s architectural heritage. Speaking during a review of the proposed master plan for the university’s new campus, Fadnavis highlighted the importance of integrating traditional Gond architectural elements with contemporary design principles. The campus, spread over 186 acres, is intended to serve as a hub for higher education and innovation, with facilities aimed at meeting national and international standards. The master plan outlines the development of an academic complex, administrative buildings, and student hostels, with a total built-up area of 27 lakh square feet. Fadnavis directed officials to study successful educational campuses across Maharashtra and the country as a reference for the design process. He noted that Gadchiroli’s growing industrial potential and expanding opportunities for students necessitate infrastructure that supports both academic excellence and research. “The university must be equipped to meet the evolving demands of education and contribute to the region’s development,” he stated. Officials revealed that the development of the campus requires an estimated Rs 1,100 crore, with central and state governments having allocated Rs 157 crore so far. State Finance and Planning Minister Ashish Jaiswal underscored the importance of blending modern facilities with the natural environment, ensuring the campus harmonizes with its surroundings.#devendra_fadnavis #gadchiroli #gondwana_university #ashish_jaiswal #pwd_chief_engineer_sambhaji_mane

Maoists Uprooted, Ganja Cultivation Emerges as New Threat in Gadchiroli In Gadchiroli, a district once plagued by Maoist insurgency, authorities have shifted focus from counterinsurgency operations to combating illegal drug cultivation. A recent police raid in Nangpur village uncovered a significant ganja plantation, marking a transition from militant threats to profit-driven criminal activities. Acting on a tip-off, a joint team from the Local Crime Branch and Kotgul police seized 44 kilograms of cannabis plants worth nearly ₹22 lakh on September 6. The crops were found growing in the backyard of a house owned by 58-year-old Adhari Kuwardheriya, who was arrested and later remanded to police custody for further investigation. A case was registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act at Kotgul police station. The seizure is part of a broader crackdown on illegal activities in areas previously dominated by Maoist influence. Gadchiroli’s superintendent of police, M Ramesh, noted that the decline of insurgent activity has allowed security forces to expand their operations into remote villages. “Security camps and patrols have expanded deeper into interior areas, helping us act against illegal activities,” Ramesh stated. This shift reflects a strategic realignment as Maoist influence wanes, enabling law enforcement to prioritize narcotics cultivation and other criminal enterprises. The Nangpur case is not isolated. Over the past few years, police have identified multiple instances of ganja cultivation in Gadchiroli. Unlike previous plantations hidden in dense forests, the latest crop was grown within a village settlement, indicating growing confidence among offenders that such activities can yield quick profits.#gadchiroli #ndps_act #m_ramesh #nangpur_village #adhari_kuwardheriya

Ex-Maoists in Gadchiroli Receive Land and Driving Licenses as Rehabilitation Efforts Continue Nagpur: Following years of conflict, Gadchiroli is witnessing a gradual shift toward rehabilitation and normalization for former Maoist cadres. On Tuesday, 14 surrendered Maoists, predominantly from the now-defunct Abhujmarh den located on the Maharashtra-Chhattisgarh border, were handed land plots under the Gadchiroli police’s Project Sanjeevani initiative. Senior officials presented allotment certificates to the former rebels, encouraging them to reintegrate into family and social life. The cadres also received cheques from the central and state government rehabilitation funds. Children of surrendered Maoists were given bicycles and school supplies, while some who completed driving training were issued four-wheeler licenses. The Maoists previously used Abhujmarh as a training ground for their People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA). Police officials stated that Maoist influence in the district has diminished, with locals gradually overcoming fear. Many hardened cadres, including senior leaders, had laid down arms in 2005 under the government’s surrender scheme, combined with disillusionment with violence. The current initiative aims not only at surrender but also at full reintegration into mainstream society. Under Maharashtra’s surrender policy, former cadres are provided assistance for land, housing, employment, health, and education. Gadchiroli Superintendent of Police M Ramesh reported that 174 land plots have been sanctioned so far, with 153 already distributed and 14 given on Tuesday. Collector Avishyant Panda emphasized the state government’s commitment to the all-round development of former Maoists, vowing to support them in leading independent lives.#gadchiroli #project_sanjeevani #maoists #abhujmarh #m_ramesh

Bangladeshi Refugees in Gadchiroli Seek Citizenship Amid CAA and SIR Uncertainty A growing number of Bangladeshi refugees in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra, are navigating a complex legal landscape as they attempt to secure citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) amid heightened fears of deportation linked to the State Integration Register (SIR). The situation has sparked anxiety among long-term residents, many of whom arrived in India during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War and have since settled in the region. With the SIR initiative prompting concerns about identity verification, dozens of individuals have filed applications for citizenship, though the process remains fraught with uncertainty. Nikhilesh Adhikari, a lawyer representing several applicants, noted that over 30 people have submitted their cases for review, with more awaiting their turn. “Their cases remain under review for over three months,” Adhikari said, highlighting the prolonged bureaucratic delays. He explained that the SIR, which aims to identify and register non-citizens, has created a climate of panic. “They think once the names are deleted from the voters’ list, it may form a basis for marking them as infiltrators,” he added. Adhikari, who also works with the Nikhil Bangla Samanbay Samiti, an association for former East Pakistan and Bangladeshi immigrants, emphasized that the fear of expulsion has driven many to come forward. The refugees, who settled in Gadchiroli and surrounding villages like Tarunnagar and Bhawanipore, face a precarious legal status. Sanjay Sarkar, a vegetable seller from Khulna, Bangladesh, described his decision to declare his identity as Bangladeshi. “Life wasn’t easy in Bangladesh. There was no mob violence like these days then, but taunts and intimidation were normal, so I came here to live with dignity,” he said.#maharashtra #gadchiroli #sir #bangladeshi_refugees #caa

Army Launches Recruitment Drive in Gadchiroli, Targeting Youth Potential Nagpur: The Indian Army’s recruitment office recently conducted an outreach initiative in Gadchiroli, a district historically affected by Maoist insurgency, to identify potential candidates among the local youth. The operation, which took place from August 10 to 12, involved engaging with over 1,500 young people, including girls, across remote areas of the district. This marked the first time the Army had organized such an extensive outreach program in the region, aiming to raise awareness about career opportunities within the armed forces. The team, led by Colonel Anshit Shrivastava, director of the Army Recruitment Office (ARO), observed that many of the youths exhibited exceptional physical stamina. Some participants clocked times of 10.3 to 10.4 seconds in the 100-meter sprint, a performance that even seasoned athletes might find challenging. Colonel Shrivastava emphasized that the visit was not merely about recruitment but also about educating the youth about the diverse roles available in the military. The district has historically struggled with low participation in Army recruitment rallies. In 2024, only 26 candidates registered for a recruitment drive, a number that rose to 384 by 2026. However, officials noted that the potential of the youth remained largely untapped. “Many of the youths had limited knowledge about the Army or its recruitment process,” said Colonel Shrivastava. He highlighted that prior to the outreach, the primary employment options for locals had been the police force, forest department, or, in some cases, involvement with Maoist groups. During the visit, Colonel Shrivastava encountered a young girl who was a Paralympic archer, having competed in Dubai.#indian_army #gadchiroli #colonel_anshit_shrivastava #lok_biradari_prakalp #paralympic_archer

Ex-Naxals Now Building Industrial Gadchiroli in Maharashtra Ramesh Renkatvo, a former Maoist who once lived in the forests of Etapalli taluka, has found a new life in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra, after leaving the Left Wing Extremism (LWE) movement. At 10 years old, he joined the rebels without understanding the consequences, but after 13 years of hardship, he chose to surrender. Today, he works as a crane operator at a steel factory, earns a steady income, and lives in a house built under the government’s rehabilitation scheme with his wife and four daughters. “I want my daughters to have education and opportunities I never had,” he said, reflecting on his journey from a life of uncertainty to one of stability. Renkatvo’s transformation mirrors the experiences of many former Maoists who joined the movement as children or teenagers. After years of struggle, they surrendered and began rebuilding their lives. The industrialization of Gadchiroli, driven by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s development initiatives, has created new opportunities. Lloyds Metal & Energy Ltd was the first company in the district to employ former rebels, hiring around 24 individuals, including eight couples. The company’s managing director, B Prabhakaran, personally met with the former rebels before offering them jobs, enabling them to start anew with dignified employment. Manium Sonu Atla, another former Maoist, joined the movement at 13 in 2011 after witnessing armed cadres visit his village. “Villagers used to give them food and supplies, but the reality was far different,” he recalled. As police patrols increased after 2014, access to villages for supplies became harder, forcing Atla to surrender in 2019. He and his wife received a bounty of 4.#devendra_fadnavis #gadchiroli #ramesh_renkatvo #lloyds_metal_energy_ltd #b_prabhakaran

Gadchiroli Students Return After Meeting President Murmu A group of tribal students from Gadchiroli’s government ashram schools returned to their hometown after an educational tour to Delhi, where they met President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The trip, funded by the tribal development department, included 96 students from Gadchiroli, Aheri, and Bhamragad under the district’s annual tribal sub-plan. The social justice and special assistance department had previously organized similar trips for 360 students from Gadchiroli’s government residential schools, sending them to Hyderabad and Bengaluru in recent years. This year’s tour marked the first visit to Delhi for these students. During their visit, the students engaged with President Murmu, who asked them about their villages, education, and future aspirations. One student from Potegaon shared their goal of becoming a teacher, prompting Murmu to encourage them to dream big and work persistently toward their ambitions. The students also explored several iconic landmarks in Delhi, including the Parliament, PM Museum, National Science Centre, IIT Delhi, Jantar Mantar, Rajghat, Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and the National Zoological Park. The Gadchiroli district administration also runs Mission Jikitur, a program that takes top scorers from its scholarship exams on educational trips. A recent batch of these students traveled to Mumbai, where they met state chief secretary Rajesh Aggarwal and Gadchiroli guardian secretary Rajesh Aggarwal. The students expressed their ambitions to pursue careers as teachers, doctors, collectors, and police officers, reflecting the program’s focus on expanding opportunities for tribal youth. The initiative highlights efforts to bridge educational and developmental gaps for marginalized communities in Gadchiroli.#rashtrapati_bhavan #droupadi_murmu #gadchiroli #rajesh_aggarwal #mission_jikitur

4 Dead, 3 Swept Away As Rain Batters Vidarbha Heavy rainfall triggered by monsoon systems swept through the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra on Saturday, leading to at least four deaths and three people being swept away by floodwaters. The disaster disrupted daily life, caused widespread evacuations, and damaged thousands of hectares of crops across multiple districts. The incident has raised concerns about the region’s vulnerability to extreme weather events amid ongoing climate challenges. In Gadchiroli’s Kurkheda taluka, three children drowned after being swept into the Sati River in Khedgaon village. The victims, identified as Laxman Sunher Dudhakwar (6), Kunal Naresh Dudhakwar (5), and Kohit Yuvraj Sarate (11), were playing near the riverbank when the water levels surged. A fourth child, who was with them, survived and alerted nearby villagers. The incident highlights the dangers of flash floods in rural areas, where infrastructure and early warning systems are often inadequate. In Buldhana district, 70-year-old Sarubai Panhalde, a resident of Shegaon, died after her house collapsed under the weight of water from a breached wall. Meanwhile, Mahadev Waghote from Jalgaon Jamod, Suresh Babar, a resident of Madhya Pradesh, and Hanumanram Tasampure from Sangrampur were reported missing after being swept away by floodwaters. The heavy rainfall, which exceeded 228mm in Jalgaon Jamod and 174mm in Nandura, caused the Purna River to overflow, submerging agricultural fields and damaging soyabean, cotton, and other kharif crops. The impact of the floods was felt across multiple districts. In Chandrapur, rising levels of the Irai and Wardha rivers flooded residential areas, prompting the evacuation of 176 people from vulnerable zones, including Rahmat Nagar, Chorala bridge area, and Mouza Arwat.#maharashtra #gadchiroli #vidarbha_region #satiriver #burdwan_district

Over 5.5 lakh Vidarbha farmers in loan waiver list The state government has released the first list of over 5.5 lakh farmers from the Vidarbha region under the farm loan waiver scheme. The list, compiled based on data submitted by banks after scrutiny of eligibility norms and loan amounts, includes borrowers from both district central cooperatives (DCCs) and nationalised banks. The highest number of farmers appears in Buldhana, with more than 1.1 lakh names, followed by Yavatmal, which has over 1 lakh entries. Gadchiroli, a tribal district, has the fewest entries, with approximately 6,200 names. Buldhana and Yavatmal, both historically plagued by agrarian distress, are highlighted in the list. Gadchiroli, however, remains relatively unaffected by the crisis and does not feature in the list of farmer suicide-prone districts. The data collection process revealed disparities in progress between cooperatives and nationalised banks. Sources noted that cooperatives are performing better, while nationalised banks face delays, prompting concerns about the pace of implementation. In eastern Vidarbha, which falls under the Nagpur division, over 1.50 lakh farmers are included in the list. Chandrapur has the highest count at around 43,000, followed by Nagpur district with 24,000 entries. West Vidarbha, under the Amravati division, has over 3.9 lakh farmers in the list, covering districts like Yavatmal, Buldhana, Washim, Akola, and Amravati. The process requires farmers to complete Aadhaar authentication and other KYC procedures to access the waiver. However, farmers report issues with data mismatches during the KYC process, creating uncertainty. Manish Jadhav, a representative from the Swamibhan Shetkari organization in Yavatmal, highlighted that these discrepancies have left many farmers hesitant to proceed.#yavatmal #vidarbha #buldhana #gadchiroli #manish_jadhav

Six Persons Arrested for Allegedly Using Maoist Symbols in Gadchiroli Gadchiroli police arrested six individuals on July 25 for allegedly displaying banners and pamphlets that mimicked Maoist symbols in the Phulnar area. The incident marks the second major operation in recent days targeting individuals attempting to spread fear under the guise of Maoist activity. According to authorities, the banners and posters were discovered tied between two trees on the Hiddur-Dobur Road, approximately 8 kilometers from Phulnar. The content of the materials was designed to instill panic among local residents. The police investigation, which combined technical evidence with information from an informer network, led to the arrest of the accused. The six individuals detained include Joga Dhurve (40), Malu Dhurve (42), Dalsu Telami (50), Chaitu Dhurve (53), Ganesh Alami (40), and Rajesh Vadde (32), all residents of Bhamragad tehsil. A case was registered at Kothi police station under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, and the Maharashtra Police Act. SP Gadchiroli, M Ramesh, emphasized that Maoist activity has been fully eradicated from the district, with no active outlaws remaining. He urged citizens to remain vigilant against rumors and false propaganda, stressing that such actions could destabilize the region. The statement underscores the police’s ongoing efforts to combat misinformation and maintain public order. The incident highlights the persistent challenges of addressing perceived threats, even in areas where Maoist influence has been declared eliminated. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to enforcing laws against unlawful activities, ensuring that any attempts to exploit fear for personal gain are swiftly addressed.#gadchiroli #phulnar #hiddur_dobur_road #kothi #bhamragad_tehsil

Nagpur Among 4 Districts on Orange Alert as Heavy Rains Lash Vidarbha Nagpur, along with Amravati, Bhandara, and Gadchiroli districts, has been placed under an orange alert by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) due to persistent heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. The alert, issued for Thursday, warns of isolated spells of intense rain accompanied by lightning, which could continue to drench the region. According to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Nagpur recorded 49.2mm of rainfall in the 24 hours ending Wednesday evening. This led to significantly lower temperatures, with the maximum temperature dropping 5.2°C below normal to 25.6°C, while the minimum settled at 22°C. The heavy downpour was widespread across Vidarbha, with Korchi in Gadchiroli district receiving the highest rainfall at 105.1mm. Other notable locations included Dhanora (97mm), Bramhapuri (50.2mm), Chandrapur (50mm), and Akola (45.9mm). These figures highlight the intensity of monsoon activity in eastern Vidarbha, where rainfall has been consistent throughout the day. Across the region, maximum temperatures ranged between 24.4°C and 27°C, remaining well below average due to persistent cloud cover and continuous rain. The RMC attributed the widespread showers to a combination of favorable monsoon systems. These include an upper-air cyclonic circulation over central north Madhya Pradesh, an active monsoon trough stretching across central India, and a persistent east-west shear zone in the upper atmosphere. These atmospheric conditions have created a conducive environment for heavy rainfall, which is expected to continue in the short term. The weather office noted that maximum temperatures are unlikely to rise significantly over the next two days.#nagpur #india_meteorological_department #amravati #bhandara #gadchiroli

Mini Setu Kendras To Bring Digital Governance To Core Gadchiroli Residents of remote and once Maoist-affected areas in Gadchiroli, including Binagunda, Bhamragarh, Etapalli, Fulnar, and Gardewada, will soon gain access to government services through newly upgraded centers. The Maharashtra government has approved the transformation of 22 existing service centers in the district into Mini Setu Kendras, also known as Aaple Sarkar Seva Kendras. These centers aim to bring essential government, banking, and digital services closer to rural communities, reducing the need for long-distance travel to obtain certificates, applications, or access public schemes. The initiative includes 13 Dadalora Khidki centers, previously operated with police administration support, and nine Aadi Seva Kendras managed by the Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP). Gadchiroli collector Avishyanth Panda highlighted that each center will offer 21 categories of revenue services, rural development initiatives, and Aadhaar-linked facilities. Business correspondents will also provide basic banking and financial services, enabling residents to access these resources without traveling to distant bank branches or government offices. Each Mini Setu Kendra will be staffed with an operator to assist villagers with online applications, certificates, and enrollment in government schemes. The government will provide one-time support for infrastructure, including computers, printers, scanners, and other necessary equipment. Operators will receive a monthly salary of up to Rs 8,000 for a period of one year. The project leverages existing infrastructure to minimize costs and maximize efficiency.#gadchiroli #integrated_tribal_development_project #mini_setu_kendras #avishyanth_panda #dadalora_khidki

Helicopter Meant for Anti-Naxal Operations in Gadchiroli Laid Idle for 17 Months Maharashtra’s government faced criticism for its handling of a helicopter procured for anti-Naxal operations in Gadchiroli, which remained grounded for nearly 17 months after its delivery due to delays in appointing a maintenance agency. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) highlighted this issue in its latest report, revealing that the state’s failure to secure a certified maintenance provider led to significant financial and operational setbacks. The helicopter, an Airbus H-145 (registration VT-GOV), was procured by the Directorate of Aviation in July 2019 for Rs82.78 crore. Delivered on September 18, 2019, the aircraft completed its acceptance test flight on September 25, 2019. However, the Directorate of Aviation failed to finalize a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) agency approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) before the helicopter’s delivery. As a result, the aircraft could not undergo mandatory maintenance and was placed under short-term preservation by the manufacturer from September 26, 2019. The MRO agency, M/s Indamer Aviation Pvt Ltd, was appointed only on July 13, 2020—nearly 10 months after the helicopter’s delivery. By this time, the prolonged lack of maintenance had rendered the aircraft unfit for immediate operations, necessitating a costly return-to-service (RTS) procedure. After obtaining DGCA approval in September 2020, the MRO agency conducted extensive restoration work, including multiple engine ground runs and test flights, which continued until December 1, 2020. The Directorate of Aviation spent Rs2.07 crore on the RTS process.#maharashtra_government #gadchiroli #directorates_of_aviation #cag_report #indamer_airways

96 Tribal Students from Gadchiroli to Meet President Droupadi Murmu Nagpur: A group of 96 tribal students from the remote villages of Gadchiroli, Maharashtra, is set to embark on a six-day educational study tour to Delhi, where they will meet President Droupadi Murmu. The journey, scheduled from June 23 to June 28, marks a significant milestone for the students, many of whom will experience their first visit to a metro city, a flight, and an interaction with the nation’s highest constitutional authority. The initiative, organized jointly by the Integrated Tribal Development Project and Shiksha Bahuuddeshiya Sanstha, aims to broaden the students’ horizons and inspire them through exposure to key institutions and scientific concepts. The students, studying in Classes 7 to 11, will depart from Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport after a meeting with Ayushi Singh, the Tribal Development Department’s additional commissioner. Nine office-bearers of the Sanstha will accompany the group during the trip. A key highlight of the visit is the planned meeting with President Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on June 25. Organizers noted that securing this appointment required nearly a month of coordination, with Union minister Nitin Gadkari playing a pivotal role in facilitating contact with the President’s office. The itinerary includes visits to IIT Delhi, the National Science Centre, Rajghat, and the Red Fort. Science communicators Neeraj and Rashmi Verma, who have witnessed India’s Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3 lunar missions, will guide the students through sessions designed to foster scientific curiosity, innovation, and leadership.#nitin_gadkari #droupadi_murmu #gadchiroli #integrated_tribal_development_project #shiksha_bahuuddeshiya_sanstha

CS: Surrendered Maoists Will Receive Aid Beyond Cash Chief Secretary Rajesh Aggarwal and Maharashtra Director General of Police Sadanand Date visited the Navjeevan rehabilitation colony in Navegaon, Gadchiroli, on Sunday to address the needs of surrendered Maoists. The visit underscored the state government’s commitment to integrating former Maoist cadres into mainstream society, emphasizing support that extends beyond financial compensation. Aggarwal highlighted the transformation of the district, noting that the 819 Maoists who have surrendered so far represent a shift from conflict to collective rebuilding. “Just months ago, people stood on two opposite sides of the conflict; today they are starting a new life together. This is the great strength of faith in the Indian Constitution,” Aggarwal stated during the event. The ceremony included the distribution of rehabilitation cheques from both central and state governments. Women’s self-help group members received sewing machines, while men were given spray pumps. Attendees also received e-Shram cards, Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, and driving licences. Aggarwal emphasized that Aadhaar enrolment, bank account creation, and voter registration are top priorities to ensure seamless integration. Additionally, the state plans to provide skill development training, admissions to industrial training institutes (ITIs), employment opportunities, and business support to the surrendered Maoists. DGP Sadanand Date reiterated the police’s dedication to aiding the surrendered Maoists within legal frameworks. “Maharashtra Police will give every necessary help to ensure their security, rehabilitation, and inclusion in the development mainstream,” he said.#gadchiroli #rajesh_aggarwal #sadanand_date #navjeevan_rehabilitation_colony #navegaon

Maoist Threat Over, Win Gadchiroli Tribals’ Trust Through Governance: Chief Secretary Nagpur: Chief Secretary Rajesh Aggarwal emphasized the need for enhanced governance in Gadchiroli to rebuild trust among tribal communities, directing officials to prioritize development, public outreach, and effective services. Aggarwal, who also serves as the guardian secretary of Gadchiroli, has been stationed in the district since Saturday, overseeing a comprehensive review of administrative departments. A critical meeting on Sunday brought together senior officials, including Maharashtra DGP Sadanand Date, to discuss the law-and-order situation and the post-Maoist transformation of the region. Aggarwal highlighted the opportunity for Gadchiroli’s transformation over the next decade, urging officials to adopt a people-centric approach. He stressed that tribal communities, as the true owners of forest resources, should see the government and civil administration act as facilitators rather than authorities. “If services are delivered with sensitivity and understanding, the gap between the government and society will narrow further,” he stated. The meeting also addressed the shift from combating Maoist extremism to conventional policing, with DGP Date acknowledging the significant toll of the conflict. Date reviewed three decades of anti-Maoist operations, noting that security forces had dealt a decisive blow to left-wing extremism. He highlighted the human cost, with 244 police personnel and 609 civilians losing their lives during the conflict, calling the end of the Maoist movement a victory for Indian democracy. Date also announced plans to create an elite force from select C-60 commandos, emphasizing advanced training for special operations at state and national levels.#gadchiroli #maharashtra_dgp_sadanand_date #samruddhi_expressway #chief_secretary_rajesh_aggarwal #c_60_commandos

Infant among 3 Dead in ST Crash Near Gadchiroli Three passengers, including a seven-month-old infant, were killed and 33 others injured after a Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus overturned near Gadchiroli on Thursday morning. The accident occurred at a sharp curve near Navegaon-Murkhala, approximately six kilometers from the city. The bus, traveling from Gadchiroli to Umarkhed, crashed through a roadside iron safety barrier and overturned into a field after the driver allegedly lost control of the speeding vehicle. The deceased were identified as Khwaja Shahabuddin (60) of Desaiganj, Laxmibai Durkiwar (55) of Navargaon, and seven-month-old Shivansh Navghare, who succumbed to his injuries during treatment. Several injured passengers, including women and children, were reported to be in critical condition and were transported to Nagpur for specialized medical care. Eyewitnesses described the bus as moving at high speed when the driver failed to navigate the curve, causing the vehicle to break through the barrier. The impact threw passengers against each other, resulting in severe injuries. Locals rushed to the scene immediately after the accident and assisted in rescuing trapped passengers before police and health department teams arrived to conduct relief operations. Among the injured were the driver, Rohit Deshmukh, and conductor Sandeep Pawar, along with several passengers from different parts of Gadchiroli district. Police have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident. Gadchiroli MLA Dr. Milind Narote and former MP Dr. Ashok Nete visited the district hospital to inquire about the condition of the injured and directed medical staff to prioritize treatment for critically affected patients.#gadchiroli #msrtc #dr_milind_narote #navegaon_murkhala #dr_ashok_nete

Maharashtra Government Approves Rs40,000 Crore Steel Plant Incentives in Gadchiroli The Maharashtra state government has approved special incentives for 18 industrial projects, including a major steel plant in Gadchiroli, as part of its efforts to boost industrial growth and employment. The decision, cleared by the state cabinet, involves investments totaling Rs2.56 lakh crore, with projections of creating one lakh jobs across the state. Of these, Rs80,000 crore is earmarked for the Vidarbha region, which includes the second-highest investment proposal of Rs40,000 crore for a steel plant by Rashmi Metallurgical Industries in Gadchiroli. The project is expected to generate 22,000 jobs. JSW Steel has also announced plans to invest Rs1 lakh crore in an integrated steel plant in Gadchiroli, further solidifying the district’s role as a hub for heavy industry. The incentive packages, which include state GST rebates, were approved for seven projects in total. These incentives are designed to support the projects as they progress, aligning with the projected timelines and employment targets. In addition to the steel sector, the government approved incentives for other ventures. Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL) received clearance for a drone and military robot manufacturing unit in the Mihan-SEZ. Tembo Defence, a small arms manufacturer, will get incentives for its Rs1,000 crore project at Amravati. ACME Cleantech is set to establish a Rs11,400 crore green energy project at Butibori, while Ashok Leyland plans a Rs10,000 crore expansion in Bhandara district. Both ACME and Ashok Leyland are projected to create 7,000 and 1,000 jobs, respectively. Hari OM Pipes Industries has proposed a Rs3,135 crore investment in Gadchiroli for steel pipe manufacturing, promising 800 jobs.#jsw_steel #maharashtra_government #vidarbha #gadchiroli #rashmi_metallurgical_industries

12 Poachers Arrested in Gadchiroli Wildlife Patrol A forest department team in Gadchiroli conducted a jungle patrol in the Alapalli forest range on Sunday evening and detained 12 individuals suspected of poaching. The operation, which followed a tip-off about a group hiding in the forest for illegal hunting activities, resulted in the immediate arrest of all 12 alleged poachers. During the raid, authorities recovered a variety of wildlife body parts, including four Indian giant squirrels, one flying squirrel, one florican, and an owl, along with equipment used for poaching. The arrested individuals are now facing charges under the Indian Forest Act, 1927, and the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. These legal provisions carry severe penalties for wildlife crimes, including imprisonment and fines. The forest department’s action underscores the ongoing efforts to combat poaching in the region, which has been a persistent issue despite conservation initiatives. The recovery of the wildlife specimens highlights the scale of the illegal activity in the area. The Indian giant squirrel, a critically endangered species, and the florican, a vulnerable bird, are particularly at risk due to habitat loss and poaching. The seizure of these animals and the associated tools used for hunting indicates a coordinated effort by the poachers, which has now been disrupted by the forest team’s intervention. The incident also reflects the challenges faced by conservationists in protecting biodiversity in remote forest areas.#gadchiroli #wildlife_protection_act #alapalli_forest_range #indian_forest_act #indian_giant_squirrel