Shiv Sena (UBT) Leader Sanjay Raut Writes Strong Letter to Chief Minister Over Water Pollution by Lloyds Steel in Gadchiroli
Mumbai/Gadchiroli, April 14:
Once known for its history of Naxal insurgency, Gadchiroli district is now drawing attention due to severe environmental pollution caused by iron ore mining. Large-scale extraction by Lloyds Metals & Steel Ltd. in the Surjagad hills of Etapalli taluka has reportedly led to serious contamination of rivers, natural water sources, and agricultural land in the region.
The mining activities have generated significant quantities of reddish, bauxite-laden dust, which is not only being inhaled by local residents but is also settling into rivers and streams. This has resulted in the formation of sludge and marshy conditions in water bodies. Several cattle have reportedly died after getting trapped in this mud, while aquatic life has also been adversely affected.
Local social activists and media in Gadchiroli have been raising concerns for several days, urging authorities—particularly the Pollution Control Board—to intervene. However, they claim that no adequate response has been received so far.
Amid growing concerns, the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction) has now stepped in. On April 13, Mahesh Kedari, the party’s Gadchiroli district contact chief, wrote to Maharashtra’s Environment Minister Pankaja Munde highlighting the issue. Subsequently, on April 14, Shiv Sena leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut addressed a strongly worded letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, demanding immediate action against Lloyds Steel.
In his two-page letter, Raut begins by stating, “I wish to bring a serious matter to your attention.”
He alleges that the government has granted unchecked permissions and concessions to mining industries, enabling operators to recklessly damage the environment, fertile land, water sources, and farmers’ livelihoods. Referring specifically to mining operations in the Surjagad hills, he states that extracted red soil and mineral waste are flowing into streams, rivers, and farmlands, causing severe environmental and ecological damage.
Raut highlights the following key concerns:
- Water in local streams has turned turbid and reddish in color.
- Mineral-laden sludge has formed in the area, causing cattle to get stuck while approaching water sources; at least 10 cattle, including 7 cows, have died so far.
- Pollution has led to the complete destruction of fish, frogs, and other aquatic life.
- Farmers’ paddy crops have suffered significant damage.
Criticizing the government further, Raut remarked that although the region was once considered Naxal-affected and the government claims to have curbed insurgency, a new form of exploitation has now emerged in the name of industrial development.
He stated that farmers’ voices are being suppressed and accused the state’s environmental authorities, Pollution Control Board, and district administration of being mired in corruption, resulting in inaction on complaints.
Sanjay Raut has made the following demands:
- Immediate deployment of an expert environmental committee to assess the situation and hear public grievances.
- Strict action against Lloyds Steel, including cancellation of its license.
- Compensation to farmers who have suffered losses and to owners of cattle that have died.
In the concluding part of his letter, Raut referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s anti-corruption stance, stating that such activities undermine the principle of “neither will I take bribes nor allow others to do so.”
He further alleged that mining activities in parts of Vidarbha are being carried out in violation of environmental norms, fueled by corruption, and supported by alarming financial links with political entities.
Raut urged the Chief Minister to take the matter seriously and ensure strict action against industries depriving villagers and farmers of their right to clean water.
Notably, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also serves as the Guardian Minister of Gadchiroli district. It now remains to be seen what action the state government will take in response to Raut’s letter against Lloyds Steel.
