Gadchiroli March 26 (District Correspondent) During the National District Mineral Foundation Conference 2026, held in Delhi recently, the effective presentation of Gadchiroli district’s developmental initiatives received special commendation. Presented by District Collector Avishyant Panda, the presentation highlighted the district’s remarkable achievements and innovative practices across various sectors.
Providing a comprehensive overview of the projects implemented under the District Mineral Foundation, the presentation detailed that funds exceeding Rs. 260 crores were utilized in priority sectors through 1,491 distinct projects. A 70:30 ratio is being maintained between priority projects and other developmental initiatives.
It was reported that the scope of development has been expanded to encompass 192 villages situated within a 25-kilometer radius surrounding the district’s mineral-rich zones. A proposal was put forth to broaden the operational scope to include road development within the priority sector, as well as to extend coverage to villages within the ‘Aspirational Talukas’ of Aheri, Sironcha and Bhamragad.
In the healthcare sector, the upgradation of delivery wards in sub-centres, ambulance services, the ‘Maher Ghar’ initiative, as well as nutritional support and mobile X-ray screening services aimed at tuberculosis eradication were started. In the education sector, initiatives such as digital classrooms, astronomy laboratories, libraries, and the distribution of bicycles to students were taken up.
The pace of development in remote areas has accelerated due to construction of roads and bridges—including special measures to ensure connectivity for villages that typically become cut off during the monsoon season, provision of electricity through solar energy, establishment of irrigation facilities, and the creation of skill development centres. ‘Project Adisha’—aimed at financially empowering Self-Help Groups and subsidized schemes designed to support agriculture and forest-based livelihoods, it was informed.
The Union Secretary of Mines, senior officials from NITI Aayog, and senior administrative officials from various states accorded a positive response to this presentation.
