Gadchiroli

Gadchiroli is a district in the Indian state of Maharashtra, located in the eastern part of the state in the Vidarbha region. It borders Chhattisgarh to the northeast and is largely covered by forested terrain. The district headquarters is the town of Gadchiroli. Administratively, Gadchiroli is divided into several talukas, including Aheri, Armori, Dhanora, Gadchiroli, and Korchi.

The district was established as a separate administrative unit in the early 1980s, carved out of Chandrapur district as part of a reorganization. It is known for its dense forests and biodiversity, and it has a significant tribal population, with communities such as Gond, Maria, and Kolam. Marathi is the official language, while Gondi is widely spoken in rural areas.

The economy is predominantly rural and based on agriculture and forest-based activities. Non-timber forest products like tendu leaves have long contributed to livelihoods, and forestry has shaped the region’s economy. Infrastructure development remains a challenge relative to other parts of Maharashtra, though road connectivity has improved in recent years.

Gadchiroli has experienced left-wing extremism, with security operations and development programs addressing Maoist activity. In recent years, efforts have focused on improving governance, education, healthcare, and forest management to address developmental and security concerns.