Indian Navy Select Telangana as Strategic Site For India's 2nd Very Low Frequency Communication Station

Defense News ,India :- In a recent announcement from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), Telangana has been chosen as a pivotal location for the establishment of India's second very low-frequency (VLF) communication transmission station by the Indian Navy. The upcoming facility is planned for the Vikarabad district, specifically in the Damagudem forest area near Puduru in the Vikarabad mandal.

The VLF communication transmission station plays a crucial role in facilitating communication between the Navy and its ships and submarines. The first of its kind, INS Kattabomman Radar Station in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, has been in operation since 1990. The Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam had previously identified Telangana as a suitable location for the establishment of a second radar station.

The statement from the CMO highlighted the Navy's efforts since 2010 to collaborate with the state government. Despite securing environmental permits and clearances, the land allotment faced delays due to the negligence of the previous government. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy's special initiative successfully cleared obstacles to the project.

During a meeting with CM Reddy, Commodore Karthik Shankar, Circle DEO Rohit Bhupathi, and Captain Sandeep Das finalized the agreement for the transfer of forest lands. The Damagudem Reserve Forest contributed 1174 hectares of land to the Navy. The Union Forest and Environment Department approved the Navy's proposals in 2014. Campa funds amounting to Rs 133.54 crores were allocated for the forest land transfer, and the Navy has paid Rs 18.56 crores for land conservation measures.

According to the CMO's statement, the Damagudem Forest Protection filed a petition in court seeking to cancel the project. The court has issued orders to implement precautions in line with government-specified conditions.

In addition to the Navy station, the township will feature schools, hospitals, banks, and markets, catering to approximately 600 naval personnel and civilians. A comprehensive plan for preserving biodiversity and ecological balance includes extensive planting, and a 27 km road around Damagudem Reserve Forest is set to be constructed. The new VLF center is expected to be completed in 2027.