Boost to Gadchiroli’s Economic Transformation: Expansion of Surjagarh Iron Ore Project Approved

Loksparsh News Network, 

Omprakash Chunarkar,

Gadchiroli: The Union Ministry of Environment has granted conditional approval to the proposal for increasing the excavation capacity of the Surjagarh Iron Ore Project nestled in the mountainous ranges of Gadchiroli district. This approval follows the recommendation of the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) on environmental matters, potentially strengthening avenues for local development, employment generation, infrastructure in tribal regions, and the direction of CSR activities.

Persistent Positive Efforts Bear Fruit…

In recent years, Lloyds Metals and Energy Ltd. has carried out iron ore mining operations in Surjagarh, which have brought employment opportunities to local youth, improved basic amenities in villages, and led to tangible progress in health and education sectors. Against this backdrop, the company had submitted a proposal to increase its annual excavation capacity from 10 million tonnes to 26 million tonnes.

A detailed scrutiny of the proposal was conducted during the EAC’s meeting on 15th May. The proposal was approved after fulfilling all criteria related to environmental safety, biodiversity conservation, wildlife protection, rehabilitation planning, and local participation.

A Model of the “Forests and Employment” Policy…

The project envisions the development of an ore washing plant, transportation infrastructure, and a management hub over 900 hectares of forest land. While granting permission for tree cutting, the ministry has imposed stringent conditions related to plant regeneration, wildlife management, and biodiversity restoration.

The company will implement a 3:1 tree plantation policy, involving local women’s self-help groups, forest management committees, and tribal youth in active participation. Through significant CSR contributions, Lloyds has previously established residential schools for education, organized health camps, initiated women’s entrepreneurship training, solar-powered water supply schemes, and skill development programs across Gadchiroli.

With the project’s expansion, these CSR activities are expected to scale up substantially, especially benefitting the tribal regions in the domains of employment, education, and healthcare.

A Coordinated Vision of the State and Central Government…

Developing an industrial base in remote areas like Gadchiroli while maintaining environmental and social balance is a formidable task. Both the Central and State governments are working with the philosophy of “No development at the cost of destruction, and progress with environmental protection.”

In this light, a comprehensive green rehabilitation plan has been developed through coordination between the District Collector’s office, Forest Department, Ministry of Environment, and the company. This plan will be implemented across the entire project area.

Future Opportunities: Industrial Clusters and Local Development…

Following the successful expansion of the Surjagarh project, mineral-based industrial clusters, small-scale industries, vehicle repair centers, mining equipment maintenance services, and hospitality-tourism ventures are expected to get a significant boost.

Additionally, a proposal to establish a Mining Training Academy for local youth is also moving toward execution.

March from a ‘Red’ Terrain to a ‘Green’ and ‘Progressive’ Future…

In a region once untouched by development, planned industrial initiatives, environmental consciousness, tribal empowerment, and social inclusion are now taking root. The Surjagarh Project is being seen as a model of “social-industrial transformation”, generating optimism among local administration and citizens alike.