Hyderabad: In a powerful symbol of the changing security landscape in Telangana, Director General of Police CV Anand hoisted the Indian national flag at a height of 650 feet on Karregutta Hills, along the Telangana-Chhattisgarh border, five days before Independence Day.
The flag-hoisting on Monday marked a historic moment for the region, as the Tricolour was hoisted for the first time in nearly 50 years on the Telangana side of Karregutta Hills.
The dense forested hills were once considered a major stronghold of the Communist Party of India (Maoist) and were among the heavily mined areas under Maoist control. For decades, the terrain remained largely inaccessible to government officials and security forces.
The latest visit by the DGP and senior officials signals the extent to which security forces have regained control over an area that was once considered a no-go zone for the administration.
From Maoist Stronghold to Development Zone
Karregutta Hills stretch along the Telangana-Chhattisgarh border and were for several decades associated with Maoist activity.
The dense forests and difficult terrain provided an ideal operating environment for Left-Wing Extremist groups. The area also witnessed repeated exchanges of fire between Maoists and security forces and was heavily affected by landmines and improvised explosive devices.
Government officials had largely stayed away from the interior areas because of the security threat.
However, the situation has changed considerably in recent months following intensified anti-Maoist operations.
The security forces have gradually established control over areas that were previously dominated by Maoist cadres, opening the possibility of extending government infrastructure and basic services into the region.
Operation Kagar Changed Security Situation
The transformation of Karregutta has been aided by the intensified security campaign against Maoists under Operation Kagar.
Following the launch of the operation by the Central government, several Maoists were killed in encounters with security forces, while others surrendered.
The weakening of Maoist networks has enabled security forces and civil administration officials to enter areas that were previously considered extremely dangerous.
The Karregutta visit by DGP CV Anand is being seen against this backdrop, with the administration now looking beyond security operations towards development and connectivity.
20-Km Road Being Extended Towards Chhattisgarh
One of the first major development initiatives in the area has been road construction.
A road being developed from Pamunuru, located at the base of Karregutta Hills, has now been extended by around 20 kilometres up to the border of Bijapur district in Chhattisgarh.
Although construction work is still underway, the road has already enabled government and security officials to access the high-altitude forest area by road.
This marks a significant change from the past, when even senior officials had to depend largely on helicopters to reach the region or conduct aerial assessments.
DGP Leads First Major Official Road Convoy
DGP CV Anand led a team of inter-departmental officials to the hills in a convoy of vehicles.
The team included senior officials from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Intelligence Department and Forest Department, along with other government representatives.
The convoy travelled through extremely difficult terrain, much of which remains largely unmotorable.
The visit demonstrated the growing reach of the administration into an area that remained inaccessible for decades because of Maoist presence and security concerns.
For senior officials, reaching the area by road rather than helicopter also highlighted the significance of the infrastructure work being carried out in the region.
Tricolour Hoisted at 650 Feet
The centrepiece of the visit was the hoisting of the Indian national flag at a height of 650 feet on Karregutta Hills.
The first-ever flag-hoisting on the Telangana side of the hills in nearly five decades carries significance beyond the ceremonial event.
The Tricolour flying over the former Maoist stronghold represents the return of the state administration to an area that had remained outside effective government access for years.
The development also comes just ahead of Independence Day, adding symbolic importance to the event.
Tourism Potential Without Deforestation
With security conditions improving, the Telangana government is now looking at ways to promote development while protecting the area’s natural environment.
DGP Anand said the scenic forest region could potentially be developed as a tourism destination without causing deforestation.
“In this serene forest area, without deforestation, tourism can be developed to bring development and employment to this area.”
He also said efforts were being made to improve the road infrastructure and convert it into a bituminous-topped (BT) road, along with the construction of necessary culverts.
The proposed development could provide employment opportunities for local communities while opening up the region to visitors.
Security Forces Maintain Tight Vigil
Despite the improvement in the security situation, the visit was conducted under tight security arrangements.
Personnel from Telangana’s specialised anti-Naxal force, the Greyhounds, and the CRPF provided security to the visiting team.
The continued presence of security forces remains important because the region was a major Maoist operating area for decades and the road construction is still underway.
The security cover also reflects the challenging terrain and the need for caution while expanding government access to former Maoist strongholds.
From No-Go Zone to Development Corridor
Karregutta’s transformation reflects a broader shift in several former Left-Wing Extremism-affected areas, where security gains are increasingly being followed by efforts to establish roads, government services and economic activity.
For years, the dense forests along the Telangana-Chhattisgarh border were associated with Maoist activity and violence. Government personnel could not freely access several interior areas, while infrastructure development remained severely constrained.
The gradual establishment of security dominance has changed that equation.
The extension of roads into the hills is now allowing officials to physically reach areas that were previously accessible primarily through aerial routes.
Development to Follow Security
The Telangana administration is now looking to use the improved security environment to accelerate development.
Road connectivity is expected to be among the first priorities, with officials working towards strengthening the existing road and adding culverts to make it more accessible.
Tourism is another potential avenue being explored, particularly because of the region’s forest landscape and scenic surroundings.
The emphasis, however, is expected to remain on development that does not damage the area’s forest ecosystem.
A Symbolic Independence Day Milestone
The flag-hoisting by DGP CV Anand has therefore emerged as more than a ceremonial event.
For an area that remained a Maoist stronghold for decades, the sight of the national flag flying from Karregutta Hills represents a visible assertion of government presence.
The event also comes at a time when the administration is attempting to shift the focus from counter-insurgency to connectivity, employment, tourism and development.
With road construction progressing and security forces maintaining control, Karregutta Hills could now become an example of how areas once dominated by Left-Wing Extremism can gradually transition towards greater government access and development.
The challenge ahead will be to sustain the security gains while ensuring that infrastructure and economic activity reach local communities without compromising the region’s fragile forest environment.
