Even as Surjagarh has altered the way one look at Gadchiroli district, Maharashtra Government is eyeing widening the iron ore exploration as it narrows down on Etappali tehsil again where it is preparing to drill boreholes in a bid to explore for new deposits. The Forest Department has granted permit for exploration operation in thick forest area in the region, at Welmagad village and plus block forest at Etapalli covering about 623.92 Hectare (Ha). The permission was granted based on communication from Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Nodal Officer, Maharashtra State, Nagpur, for nod to drill boreholes to examine feasibility of iron ore deposits, post in-principle clearance from Union Ministry