September 29, 2025: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday announced that the Vidarbha districts of Chandrapur and Gadchiroli are being developed into major industrial hubs, expected to generate employment for nearly 1.5 lakh people. He emphasised that environmental protection would remain central to the region’s growth strategy.
Speaking at the launch of a coffee table book prepared by the District Mineral Foundation at Mul, Chandrapur, Fadnavis underlined the dual focus on industrialisation and sustainability. “Along with industrialisation, Chandrapur should send out the message of protecting the environment. By prioritising skill development and employment, we will ensure 100 per cent jobs for locals,” he said.
Development projects in Chandrapur, funded through the District Mineral Foundation, include the establishment of a cancer hospital in collaboration with Tata Trusts. Other initiatives target healthcare, education, infrastructure, skill-based employment, and innovative schemes designed to benefit local communities.
Highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, Fadnavis stressed that residents of mining-affected areas must directly benefit from mineral resources. “Since mining and transportation cause inconvenience to locals, they must be the foremost beneficiaries,” he said.
He further lauded Chandrapur’s achievements in the mineral sector, particularly projects under the Mineral Development Fund aimed at employment, health, and skill-based innovation.
The Chief Minister also celebrated the success of the ₹50-crore tree plantation drive, noting that Maharashtra remains the only state to have expanded its green cover. Efforts are now underway to increase forest cover to more than 33%.
Tribal Development Minister and Chandrapur Guardian Minister Ashok Uike, MLAs Sudhir Mungantiwar, Kishor Jorgewar, Deorao Bhongle, District Collector Vinay Gowda, CEO Pulkit Singh, and other senior officials attended the event.
Source: The Indian Express
