Maoist Hunters Turn ‘Malnutrition Spotters’ Among Kids In Abujmarh Gadchiroli police have shifted focus from counterinsurgency operations to addressing child malnutrition in the tribal district, deploying five constables from each police station as “malnutrition spotters” in the dense forests of Abujmarh, a region once known as a guerrilla stronghold. The initiative marks a significant pivot from military operations to community welfare, with officers now scanning for signs of stunted growth and acute malnutrition among children. This unique approach, described as unprecedented in central India’s hinterlands, aims to tackle the persistent issue of child undernutrition in areas where health services have been disrupted by decades of insurgency. The transition comes amid alarming statistics on malnutrition in Gadchiroli’s tribal pockets. Government data reveals that 35%-45% of children under five suffer from stunting, while acute malnutrition affects approximately 11% of the population. Severe cases account for 1.4%, and moderate cases for 9.8%, making the district the second worst-affected in Maharashtra. Police officials highlighted their strategic advantage in reaching remote areas, where health infrastructure has been eroded by prolonged conflict. By establishing forward operating bases and maintaining a presence in villages, officers can access regions that remain isolated from regular health services. The initiative involves training constables to identify signs of malnutrition, such as visible wasting, poor growth indicators, and other health markers. These officers are now actively engaging with tribal communities to raise awareness about nutrition, hygiene, and access to healthcare.#maharashtra #gadchiroli_police #abujmarh #maoist_insurgency #child_malnutrition
