Revanth Reddy Advocates for Local Access to Navy Radar Station in Telangana
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has made a formal appeal to Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh regarding the newly established low-frequency Navy radar station in the Damagundam forest of Pudur Mandal, Vikarabad district. During the foundation stone-laying ceremony for the VLS project on October 15, Reddy emphasized the importance of allowing local residents access to the site, particularly highlighting the sentimental value of the Ramalingeshwara temple situated within the forest.
Reddy also requested that one-third of the admissions in the educational institutions planned for the area be reserved for local students, ensuring community benefits from the project.
Addressing opposition from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and other critics, Reddy stated, “Only if the country is there, we are there. Then we can discuss about the environment. I pray to Lord Shiva to make them understand.” He further stressed the need for unity in support of national security, asserting that politics should not interfere with defense projects.
He reiterated Hyderabad’s strategic importance in the country’s defense landscape, noting existing facilities like the Ordinance Factory and the Nuclear Fuel Complex. Reddy drew comparisons to the INS Kattabomman Radar Station in Tamil Nadu, stating that there had been “no loss or harm” to local residents since its establishment in 1990.
Reddy reminded attendees that the BRS government had facilitated the land transfer in 2017, underlining the necessity to protect both the forest and local ecology while supporting national defense initiatives.
