Ganga of development will flow in Gadchiroli
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has made such a historic announcement on Wednesday, which can change both the fate and picture of Naxal-affected Gadchiroli district forever. Fadnavis has announced a massive investment of ₹3 lakh crore to turn the district into India’s first “green steel hub”. The biggest goal of this mega project is to generate one lakh jobs for the local youth and also to run a massive campaign to plant 5 crore trees to save the sensitive environment of the district. This announcement came at a time when 62 dreaded Naxalites along with their ideologue Bhupathi surrendered before the police, which is an indication that instead of guns, the echo of development will now be heard in the area.
Bet worth Rs 3 lakh crore, the fate of youth will change
Addressing a program organized in Gadchiroli, Chief Minister Fadnavis made it clear that his government will not allow the environment to be sacrificed in the name of development. He said, “We want to preserve the originality of Gadchiroli, its water, forest and land. These should not be destroyed for development.” Explaining his vision, he said that it is his dream to make Gadchiroli a “pollution free steel city”. When I met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, I told him that we do not want to make Gadchiroli polluted but greener than before.
The youth here will directly benefit from this investment of ₹3 lakh crore. Fadnavis has put a big condition before the investors. He said, “We have clearly told the investors that we will give all kinds of concessions, but only if they recruit at least 95% local youth.” The government aims to provide employment to one lakh youth in Gadchiroli and Chandrapur in the next five to seven years, which he described as a means of “complete transformation” for the youth of the region.
Promise to save ‘water, forest, land’ on the path of development
The challenge of striking a balance between development and environment is always big, especially in a forest-dominated area like Gadchiroli. But the government has claimed to find a solution to this also. The Chief Minister said that the ambitious project of planting five crore trees will be implemented under the direct supervision of the Collector. So far this year, 40 lakh trees have been planted and by next year this figure will reach one crore. This campaign will ensure that there is no harm to the greenery and ecosystem of the district amid industrialization.
left the gun and held the book of the constitution
The surrender of 62 Naxalites including 61 guerrilla fighters on the same platform from where such a big announcement of development was made is a symbol of the fact that the wind of change is blowing in the area. The Chief Minister also shared the plan to bring these surrendered Naxalites back into the mainstream of society. Before the program, he met Lloyds Metals Chairman B. Met Prabhakaran and requested him to train and provide employment to these former Maoists. “If these surrendered guerrillas want to work, Lloyds Metals will train and employ them,” Fadnavis announced.
Gadchiroli is becoming a bastion of opportunities
Fadnavis recalled the period when posting in Gadchiroli was considered “punishment”. He said, “There was a time when officers were afraid of being posted here. Today, officers themselves want to come to Gadchiroli.” With projects worth over ₹60,000 crore already underway such as steel plants, hospitals, schools and townships, this conflict zone is now turning into a hub of opportunities. The government is not only focusing on industries but also strengthening education and health infrastructure. A new government medical college and hospital are being built, and Gondwana University is being expanded.