The bhoomipujan ceremony for the new steel plant of Surjagad Ispat will take place at Wadlapeth village in Aheri tehsil on July 17. The steel plant will be established on a 250-acre private land donated by Minister Dharmraobaba Atram. The event will be graced by Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar; as well as Uday Samant, Minister of Industries. This was announced by Dharmraobaba Atram, Minister of Food and Drug Administration, at a press conference here on Monday. The Rs 5,000 crore project is set to be developed in Aheri tehsil and is expected to create approximately 8,000 to 10,000 jobs in the Naxal-affected Gadchiroli district, known for its economic challenges. The primary goal of the project is to address employment issues in the region. “Irrigation, education, and employment were key themes of my election campaign. The people trusted me with their vote, and by donating my land for this project, I am fulfilling my commitment.

 

I will continue to support such opportunities in the future,” Atram said. Aheri tehsil and its surroundings are noted for their lush green forests and significant iron ore reserves, which had previously remained underutilised. The Surajgarh iron ore mine project was among the first to spur industrialisation in the region. Atram emphasised that the new steel plant represents a further step in leveraging local natural resources for the benefit of the community. “The iron ore is sourced from this area, so processing industries should also be established here rather than being sent elsewhere,” said the minister. “Local residents from Aheri constituency should have the first right to the jobs created based on their skills. Job seekers from our district and neighbouring areas such as Chandrapur and Telangana will also benefit from this project,” he added. Currently, the mining industry provides jobs for about 4,000 people in the area.

 

The new steel plant is expected to create an additional 400 to 600 jobs immediately after the bhoomipujan, including roles for security and construction. Graduates in the area will also have job opportunities in framework development, with an investment of approximately Rs 150 crore, the minister informed. The project will be executed in four phases. Of these, the first phase is expected to be completed in one to one and a half years. Addressing concerns about potential threats from Naxalites, the Minister expressed confidence that the project would be supported by the local population. “The project will create employment opportunities for the local people, and Naxalites will not oppose the community,” he said. He also noted that an industry-friendly environment has been established in the area, and more mining-related industries are anticipated in the near future. Regarding recent incidents related to the Poshan Aahar Scheme, the minister assured that those responsible would face stringent punishment under Clause 29 of the Food Act, which allows for life imprisonment if necessary.