CM Fadnavis Vows To Make Gadhchiroli Maharashtra’s No. 1 District
Launch Of Steel Projects, Green Development Goals Mark New Era For Region
Gadhchiroli (July 22) – Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday declared his vision to transform Gadhchiroli into the state’s leading district, promising a blend of industrial development, employment, and environmental protection. Speaking at the inauguration and foundation-laying ceremony for several major projects by Lloyds Metals and Energy Ltd. (LMEL), the CM said Gadhchiroli is now marching toward becoming a steel hub of India.
The event, held at Konsari, saw the launch of an Iron Ore Grinding Plant (5 MTPA), an 85 km slurry pipeline (10 MTPA capacity), and a Pellet Plant (4 MTPA). Fadnavis also laid the foundation stone for an Integrated Steel Project (4.5 MTPA), a 100-bed hospital, a CBSE school, and a residential complex for Lloyds employees in Somnampalli.
He emphasized that these projects will drive significant local employment without damaging the region’s natural resources — water, forest, and land. “In the coming years, per capita income in Gadhchiroli will rise, and this district will emerge as a model for development in Maharashtra,” Fadnavis asserted.
Green Growth and Tribal Empowerment
The 80 km slurry pipeline, Fadnavis noted, is India’s fourth and Maharashtra’s first, and is expected to cut carbon emissions by 55%. Stressing on green development, he said future transportation would be driven by electric and gas vehicles, and committed to planting one crore trees in two years.
He highlighted that 14,000 locals have already found employment with Lloyds, including tribal women rising from housekeeping roles to driving LNG trucks — a symbol of inclusive progress.
To further support communities, the government will ensure healthcare up to ₹5 lakh per person is available locally, eliminating the need for citizens to travel elsewhere for treatment.
A Call to End Maoist Violence
Fadnavis made an appeal to Maoist groups to lay down arms and join the development journey. “False rumors are spread to derail tribal progress — that land is being grabbed or forests are being destroyed. The reality is inclusive growth,” he stated.
Dignitaries Back Vision of ‘Steel Gadhchiroli’
Minister of State Adv. Ashish Jaiswal, Padma Shri awardee Tulsi Munda, MLAs Dharmaraobaba Atram and Dr. Milind Narote, IG Sandeep Patil, and SP Nilotpal were among the dignitaries present. Lloyds MD B. Prabhakaran gave an overview of the projects. Local representatives and former MPs also attended the event.
Ashish Jaiswal praised the CM’s commitment, noting that Fadnavis chose to visit Gadhchiroli on his birthday, symbolizing his personal dedication to the region’s future.