Gadchiroli District Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Fertilizer Diversion
The Gadchiroli district administration has significantly tightened surveillance along its borders with Telangana and Chhattisgarh, issuing stern warnings of strict criminal action against agro dealers involved in diverting subsidized fertilizers outside the district. This decisive move aims to curb illegal trade practices and ensure that local farmers receive their entitled supply without any disruption or artificial shortages.
Administration Directs Criminal Proceedings Against Erring Service Centers
Acting on mounting concerns that fertilizers specifically meant for Gadchiroli are being systematically siphoned off and sold at inflated prices in neighboring states, the administration has directed officials to initiate immediate criminal proceedings against offending Krishi Seva Kendras (agro service centers). The District Agriculture Superintendent and the Agriculture Development Officer have formally issued these directives, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy toward such malpractices.
Special Checkpoints Activated in Sensitive Border Talukas
To effectively plug leakages and prevent unauthorized movement, special checkpoints have been activated in sensitive border talukas, including Dhanora, Sironcha, Aheri, Bhamragad, and Desaiganj. Authorities are conducting rigorous inspections of vehicles transporting fertilizers to ensure compliance with district boundaries and legal distribution channels.
Comprehensive Audit of Fertilizer Transactions Launched
In a parallel and thorough measure, the agriculture department has launched an extensive audit of transactions recorded on point-of-sale (PoS) machines at all fertilizer outlets across the district. Officials are meticulously verifying whether sales are being made exclusively to genuine farmers within Gadchiroli and in appropriate quantities as per regulations. This audit aims to detect irregularities, curb fraudulent entries, and maintain transparency in the distribution system.
Strict Legal Action Under Essential Commodities Act
Authorities have made it unequivocally clear that punitive action will extend far beyond mere licence cancellations. Dealers found guilty of hoarding, black marketing, or illegal diversion will face severe prosecution under the stringent provisions of the Essential Commodities Act. This legal framework ensures that violators are held accountable with substantial penalties.
Commitment to Farmer Welfare and Remote Area Access
Reaffirming its unwavering focus on farmers' welfare, the administration stated it is fully committed to preventing artificial shortages, particularly in remote and underserved areas of the district. Farmers have been actively encouraged to report any coercive sales practices or instances of overpricing directly to authorities. Additionally, they are urged to insist on obtaining PoS receipts for every purchase to ensure traceability and accountability in the supply chain.
