In a decision that could potentially pave the way for the execution of the Indian Navy’s Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) radar project in the Vikarabad district, the Telangana High Court has permitted the military organization to proceed with the initiative while retaining oversight on environmental compliance. The court’s ruling came following a PIL filed by the Damagundam Forest Protection JAC in 2020, which contested the allocation of approximately 2,900 acres of reserve forest land for the project.
The bench, led by Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice GM Mohiuddin, clarified that there would be no restrictions on the execution of the project. However, the PIL will remain pending for six months to review the progress of compensatory afforestation undertaken by the Forest department. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on October 5.
The court’s decision comes after an inspection of afforestation sites in Thippapur, Vikarabad, and Amangal, Rangareddy district, conducted by amicus curiae Vivek Jain. His report indicated a satisfactory level of plantation growth and survival, with the Forest department reporting an overall plant survival rate of 89.88%. Over 8.23 lakh saplings were found to have survived out of more than 9.16 lakh planted during 2024–26.
The court also noted the Forest department’s plans to replace approximately 92,000 dead plants in the upcoming monsoon and undertake fresh plantation across additional areas over the next two years. The efforts towards assisted natural regeneration on degraded forest land were also acknowledged by the court.
**Tags:** Telangana High Court, Indian Navy, ELF Radar Project, Damagundam Forest Protection JAC, Amicus Curiae Vivek Jain, Afforestation, Vikarabad District, Rangareddy District
