Chhattisgarh Government Collaborates with IIT for Mapping Abujhmad Region

The Chhattisgarh government has initiated a significant mapping project in the Abujhmad region, collaborating with IIT to cover over 5,000 square kilometers. This area, previously uncharted due to Naxalite presence, is set for a comprehensive survey by 2030. Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai expressed optimism about eradicating Naxalism and emphasized the need for development in liberated areas. Recent encounters in the Bastar region have resulted in the deaths of several Naxalites, highlighting ongoing security efforts. This initiative marks a crucial step towards bringing administrative facilities and infrastructure to previously inaccessible regions.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 5, 2026, 09:18 IST

Mapping Initiative in Abujhmad

The Chhattisgarh government has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) to map over 5,000 square kilometers of the Abujhmad region, historically known as a stronghold for Naxalites. According to government officials, this area has remained off official maps due to its dense forests and the presence of insurgents. Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai announced on Sunday that the mapping project is expected to be completed by 2030.

During a press briefing, he noted that this region had never been surveyed before.

Progress Amidst Decreasing Naxalite Activities

Following a reduction in Naxalite activities, the government has moved forward with the agreement with IIT Roorkee. Sai stated, "A survey will now be conducted, and all administrative facilities will also reach this area. While we aim to complete this by 2030, we hope to expedite the process." He expressed confidence in achieving the March 31 deadline set by Union Home Minister Amit Shah for eradicating Naxalism from the country.

He emphasized that merely eliminating Naxalism is insufficient; development must follow in areas freed from insurgents. He pointed out that some regions were previously inaccessible due to Naxalite presence, and Abujhmad, spanning 5,000 square kilometers, lacks roads. In fact, even the villages in this area have never been surveyed.

Security Measures and Allegations Against Previous Government

Sai mentioned that security forces are establishing camps within a five-kilometer radius, leading to a migration of Naxalites from these areas. He added, "After Shah extended the radius to 10 kilometers, around 400 villages have been established in this manner."

The Chief Minister accused the previous state government of not providing adequate support to the central government in the fight against Naxalism, claiming that nearly 75% of Naxalites were concentrated in Chhattisgarh due to a lack of support from the former Congress-led administration.

Recent Encounters in Bastar Region

Earlier, officials reported that at least 14 Naxalites were killed in two separate encounters with security forces in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh. The District Reserve Guard (DRG) initiated operations following specific intelligence regarding Naxal activities.

During a search in a forest in the southern part of Sukma district, Naxalites opened fire on DRG personnel. In retaliation, security forces eliminated 12 Naxalites. Sukma's Superintendent of Police, Kiran Chavhan, confirmed, "In the encounter between the DRG and Naxalites in the Kistaram area of Sukma district, 12 Naxalites were killed, and automatic weapons were recovered."

Similarly, in the nearby Bijapur district, a joint team of the DRG and Chhattisgarh Police launched an anti-Naxal operation around 5 AM, resulting in the death of two Naxalites. The security forces also seized automatic weapons, including a self-loading rifle (SLR) and 12 bore rifles, from the forest area in Bijapur.