The upcoming Very Low Frequency (VLF) radar station at Damagundam, expected to be finished by 2027, signifies a key progress in India's maritime defense capabilities. Being the second installation of its kind in the country, this facility will improve communication with the Navy's submarine fleet and have a crucial role in national security. Having obtained environmental and regulatory approvals, the project is set to enhance Vikarabad's economy by improving infrastructure and generating employment opportunities.
Damagundam Reserve Forest in Vikarabad district has a history of centuries. This forest located adjacent to Anantgiri reserve forest, has a few thousand species of plants, herbal trees. It is believed that if one comes to the reserve forest and breathes the air, the diseases will be completely cured. There is also a popular saying in thus area that ‘If anybody goes Damagundam, Yama gandam (Evil impact of Yama) will go”.
For the past few years, there has been a controversy over the Damagundam forest, which has so much concern of natural forest and environment. Presently, arrangements are being made to set up the Eastern Naval Radar Station in this forest. This station is being established in about 3 thousand acres. As per the media reports, around 12 lakh trees will be cut for the establishment of this station.
Locals are expressing concern that the radar station poses a threat to forest resources and wildlife. However, officials said that only 48 percent of the total forest land allotted for the radar station will be used for the construction of the station. Their explanation is that the remaining 52 percent of forest resources will not suffer any damage. The officials of the forest department say that there is no truth in the campaign that 12 lakh trees will be removed. Officials said that only 1.93 lakh trees will be removed for the construction of the radar station. The Forest Department is planning to further reduce this number.
The forest department intends to plant 17.55 lakh trees in 2,348 hectares of degraded forest area in Vikarabad and Rangareddy districts to replace the trees that will be lost there. They also say that there is no truth in the campaign that there will be damage to the 500-year-old Sri Ramalingeswara Swamy Devasthanam in the area of the radar station. Along with the temple on 32.10 acres, the existing water pool will remain the same, they explained. There are no difficulties for the devotees to visit the temple even after the inauguration of Navy Radar Station.
