Demining operations in Chhattisgarh have gained momentum following the Centre’s declaration of a “Naxal-free India” on March 31, 2026. Security forces are undertaking extensive demining activities in areas previously affected by insurgency, aiming to restore normalcy and ensure safe travel for civilians.

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) District Reserve Guard (DRG) of Chhattisgarh Police, alongside other agencies, is focusing on detecting and neutralising improvised explosive devices (IEDs) that were planted during years of Naxal activity. Officials claim that these operations are taking place along national highways, state roads, and internal routes known for their high risk.

According to Jitendra Kumar, Commandant of the 80 Battalion CRPF, intelligence inputs, including information from former Naxal members, are integral to the demining process. He stated, “Demining operations in Naxal-affected areas have been our primary mission, and all battalions are actively carrying out this campaign.” The focus is on making roads secure enough for people to travel freely without security precautions.

Methods and Technologies Employed in the Operations

Various methods are being utilised to ensure thorough demining. Officers revealed that they adopt techniques that include using tractors, compact wire detectors, and even K9 dog squads equipped with newly inducted devices. These methods are aimed at effectively detecting and neutralising explosives.

In the demining process, drones are deployed initially to survey areas prior to commencing operations. This approach allows security forces to identify any potential threats or suspicious activities. Once these risks are confirmed, the teams take suitable measures to address them, focusing on minimising risks during the operations.

Maqsood Alam, Deputy Commandant of the 80 Battalion CRPF, noted that the campaign is being executed collaboratively across multiple battalions, rather than being restricted to a single district. This broader coordination is vital for securing routes that connect remote villages, crucial for developmental activities and the restoration of normal life in the region.

Community Impact and Future Expectations

The demining drive is viewed as one of the most essential post-conflict initiatives in the area. Security forces understand that the declaration of a “Naxal-free India” will be validated only through the thorough elimination of latent hazards, including IEDs.

Officials underscored the importance of these operations as confidence-building measures for local communities, many of whom have been hesitant to use certain roads in fear of IED blasts. The ongoing demining efforts are expected to contribute significantly to improved infrastructure, enhanced connectivity, and accelerated development in regions that have historically suffered from Left-Wing Extremism.

As operations continue, authorities express optimism that these sustained efforts will eventually lead to a safer environment for residents. The commitment to establishing a fully secured network of routes is seen as pivotal for facilitating growth and rehabilitation following years of conflict.

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