Kumar Ashirwad, the newly-appointed District Collector, on Monday, said his administration would focus on attracting manufacturing units, pharmaceutical industries and fresh investment by ensuring smoother clearances, land acquisition and resolution of local issues faced by the investors. Speaking during an interaction at the Press Club in Civil Lines, Ashirwad thanked journalists for the welcome and said, he was still studying the city and its challenges in detail. He said, the administration wants to send a strong message that investors can comfortably establish industries in Nagpur without procedural hurdles.

 

The Collector also stressed on improving wildlife tourism on the lines of successful models in Madhya Pradesh and said, efforts were underway to tackle water scarcity in villages and prepare in advance for the monsoon. Referring to the recent explosive factory blast in Nagpur district, Ashirwad said, industries regulated by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) and Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health (DISH) require stricter monitoring. He said, undertrained and overconfident workers, along with weak safety culture and shortage of regulatory manpower, increase industrial risks. He added that, district authorities can conduct surprise inspections with outside experts to verify safety norms.

 

On illegal HTBT cotton cultivation, he clarified that, action would be taken against uncertified seeds and illegal sellers, while efforts would be made to ensure farmers do not suffer losses. Replying to queries on cooking gas supply, he said, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) had increased stocks substantially, though delivery delays persist due to shortage of vehicles, staff and backlog demand. Ashirwad also said, relief kits and utensils had been distributed to Dhamangaon fire victims, while financial aid for house reconstruction and loan repayment relief were being processed.