India, Nov. 10 -- The union ministry of mines has permitted the Maharashtra government to reserve around 2,000 hectares of land in Gadchiroli district for iron-ore mining. The mining operations will be undertaken through the Maharashtra State Mining Corporation Limited (MSMC), and the state industries department issued a notification to this effect on November 5.

The proposed mining area covers 14 villages across Etapalli and Bhamragad tehsils. Once known for Maoist insurgency and considered among Maharashtra's most backward districts, Gadchiroli has

significant mineral resources, with the proposed mining activity expected to accelerate its economic development. The push for expanded iron ore mining, however, has faced strong opposition...