By Ruchi Singh
As the VLF radar station project in Vikarabad, 60 km from Hyderabad, moves forward, the 34-year success story of INS Kattabomman in Tamil Nadu offers a vital precedent. Operational since 1990, INS Kattabomman, named after the legendary Tamil freedom fighter, has served as a crucial communication hub for India’s submarine fleet.
However, its significance extends beyond strategic operations—it stands as a model for how military infrastructure can coexist with and even enhance the natural environment. The new VLF radar station in Vikarabad is poised to follow in these footsteps, utilising lessons learned from INS Kattabomman to ensure minimal environmental impact while advancing national security.
The Vikarabad project has undergone rigorous technical compliance, meeting all environmental and regulatory standards. With Stage I and Stage II clearances from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF) and adherence to a 16-point compliance checklist, the project is designed to minimise its environmental footprint while fulfilling its strategic role.
Commodore Nishant Kumar, Commanding Officer of INS Kattabomman, highlighted the station’s commitment to environmental stewardship, stating, “Our efforts, such as dispersing over two lakh seed balls, align with the Navy’s broader goal of planting 75 lakh trees annually. This initiative has not only preserved but also expanded the green cover around our facility.”
Health concerns of large projects
Health concerns, often a point of contention in large-scale projects, have been addressed comprehensively at INS Kattabomman. Captain Sandip Das, involved in overseeing environmental protocols at the station, reassured, “Over three decades of operations, there has been no evidence of adverse health effects among the 800 personnel and their families residing here. Continuous monitoring ensures that our presence does not harm the local community or environment.”
Moreover, the area surrounding INS Kattabomman has seen a resurgence in biodiversity, with species like spotted deer, Bengal foxes, and various migratory birds now calling the area home. A senior environmental consultant who has worked closely with both the Tamil Nadu and Vikarabad projects remarked, “The thriving ecosystem around INS Kattabomman proves that strategic installations can be managed in a way that benefits both nature and national security. These insights are being directly applied to the Vikarabad project.”
The VLF radar station in Vikarabad, much like its predecessor, is designed with a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability and community engagement. The Indian Navy has committed to maintaining over 50% of the forested land in Vikarabad while implementing advanced technologies that minimise physical and ecological footprints. This approach ensures that the radar station will enhance India’s maritime security without compromising the health and well-being of local communities.
As the Vikarabad project progresses, the proven strategies and successful track record of INS Kattabomman serve as a guiding framework. The commitment to national security and environmental responsibility will ensure that the new station meets its strategic objectives and contributes positively to the region’s ecological balance and development.
(Ruchi Singh is a senior journalist specialising in defence, foreign affairs & aerospace, with a distinguished career at many leading news channels. Ruchi can be followed on Twitter: @RuchiSinghNews).
