Naxal attacks happening due to increased security camps: Chhattisgarh CM

New Delhi: Chhattisgarh will launch a new industrial policy to promote private investments in the mineral-rich state on its foundation day on November 1, chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai has said.

In an exclusive interview to ET, Sai said the state is revisiting all memorandums of understanding (MoUs) signed with corporate players in different sectors.

Last week, in response to a question by Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak, Union environment minister Bhupendra mYadav replied that 94,460 trees had been felled so far in Hasdeo and 2.73 lakh more will be felled. When asked about Hasdeo and the cost of mining the area has had to bear, Sai said, "It is not possible to do development without tree cutting. Four-laning of NH-43 had to be undertaken and trees were cut. But at the same time, trees are planted as part of compensatory afforestation. The same thing has happened in Hasdeo also."


"We are trying to strike a balance between development and the interests of our tribals," said Sai.

BJP wrested Chhattisgarh from Congress in November 2023 assembly elections. The last eight months in power have seen an increase in Naxal attacks in the state. Sai attributed this to the government's attempts at setting up security camps. About 28 forward security camps have been established and 29 new camps are planned to be set up in South Bastar and Abujhmaad areas.