In a remarkable effort, more than 1,000 police personnel have united to swiftly establish a police post in the remote Gardewada area of Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district. Completed within a mere 24 hours, this facility is set to enhance surveillance across an approximately 750 sq km region, previously identified as a Naxalite stronghold, according to officials on Tuesday.
This newly established police post signifies the introduction of a permanent police presence in the sensitive area for the first time since 1947, marking a crucial development, the officials stated.
Superintendent of Police Gadchiroli, Neelotpal, revealed that around 600 commandos were involved in rigorous “road opening” exercises to counter landmines and ambush attacks, covering a distance of more than 60 km to reach Gardewada on Monday.
“The new police post will strengthen surveillance of about 750 sq km area, which was earlier considered a stronghold of Naxalites. It will help in the construction of a pond, the Gatta-Gardewada-Todgatta-Wangeturi-Panawar interstate road to Chhattisgarh, and the erection of 10 4G mobile towers,” the official explained.
According to a release from the Gadchiroli police, the initiative engaged around 1,000 C-60 commandos, 25 Bomb Detection and Disposal Squads (BDDS), newly-appointed police jawans, 500 special police officers, teams from the State and Central Reserve Police Forces, and private contractors. Their collective efforts encompassed road opening exercises, post-opening security, and the establishment of the new police post in the remote Gardewada region.
Situated just 5 km from the Naxalite-sensitive Abujmarh in neighboring Chhattisgarh, the police post is strategically placed, as highlighted in the police release.
To achieve this task within the stipulated timeframe, a substantial force of 1,500 personnel, along with 10 JCBs, 10 trailers, four poclain machines, 45 trucks, and other essential facilities, was deployed. The release detailed that Porta cabins, an RO plant, toilet blocks, WiFi, generator sets, and more have been provided to ensure the well-being of the deployed jawans at the post.
