Bandh in Etapalli against Surjagarh mine

Chandrapur: Various organizations opposing the Surjagarh iron ore mine in Gadchiroli observed a total bandh in Etapalli on Friday to press their demands. Janhitwadi Samiti and Gramsabha Mahasangh has threatened to convert their nearly 90-day-long chain-hunger strike underway at Gadchiroli into a fast-unto-death in next couple of days.
Six villages at the foothills of the Surjagarh Hillock in Etapalli tehsil are opposing the iron ore mining in over 14 hectares of dense forest since 2016. Leader of tribal villages opposing the mine, Suresh Barsagade claimed that Berojgar Sanghtna, Vayapri Sanghatna, Aheri Zilla Kruti Samiti and Mahila Sanghatna supporting the demand had called bandh on Friday in support of their demands. “The bandh was a complete success,” he said.

“At the time of inauguration of Burgi police station, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis had assured that not a single stone of iron ore would be taken out of Gadchiroli district. Similarly, Gadchiroli MP Ashok Nete had boasted that if government does not build steel plant close to the mining area, he would resign from his post,” said Barsagade.

Barsagade claimed that while both the assurances remain unfulfilled, dense forest is being destroyed and entire production from the mine is being transported out of the district. He demanded a big steel plant where thousands of local people could get jobs should be started in Etapalli tehsil and until then the iron ore production in the mine should be stalled.