Union Home Minister reviews security scenario in LWE-hit districts of Maharashtra Right time to start mining activities, Rajnath Singh assures adequate security

The Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh reviewed the security scenario in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected Gadchiroli and Gondia districts of Maharashtra at a meeting here today with the Union Minister of Road Transport, Highways & Shipping Shri Nitin Gadkari and Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis. Both Shri Gadkari and Shri Fadnavis were of the view that this is the right time to start mining activities in Gadchiroli as the LWE violence has reduced considerably. 

The State Government of Maharashtra requested for additional deployment of 4 Battalions of CRPF and 2 Bns. of CISF to strengthen security in the areas for this purpose. Presently, 5 Bns. of CRPF are deployed in Gadchiroli. Shri Rajnath Singh assured that the MHA would discuss this issue with DGs of CRPF and CISF and take an appropriate decision in the matter. 

While Gondia has not witnessed any major incident in the past two years, level of violence in Gadchiroli has come down. These two districts are rich in iron ore and other minerals. A number of private companies have shown their interest in starting mining activities in these areas. However, due to LWE threat, these companies have not been able to make any progress in the past. 

Shri Gadkari proposed to train 10-15 thousand local youths through skill development institutes that the State Government intends to set up in association with these private companies. He also gave a detailed account of the potential that exists in Gadchiroli and Gondia. State Government officials also gave a detailed presentation on the issue of mining, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities of various companies and security aspects in the two districts. 

The meeting was convened to strengthen security arrangements so that iron ore and dolomite mining and social infrastructure like hospitals, schools, skill development activities, polytechnics can be taken up in Gadchiroli and Gondia districts.