Both states have implemented robust security measures, including increased vigilance at defense and central installations, enhanced public safety protocols, and intensified intelligence-sharing.
Published May 07, 2025 | 4:30 PM ⚊ Updated May 07, 2025 | 4:30 PM
Security efforts have been concentrated on central government institutions, with both states hosting several key defence and strategic establishments.
Synopsis: Following Operation Sindoor, a cross-border military strike by Indian forces on terror camps in Pakistan and PoK, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have heightened security at key national defence and research facilities amid fears of retaliation. Both state governments have enforced strict vigilance protocols, and recalled essential staff to maintain critical public services.
Telangana and Andhra Pradesh – which host some of the key national security and research infrastructure of the country – have been placed on high alert following Operation Sindoor, a pre-dawn military action by Indian Armed Forces targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan on Wednesday, 7 May.
In response to the heightened threat perception, both state governments have reinforced security at sensitive central government and strategic installations, which could be potential targets in the event of retaliatory actions.
In Hyderabad, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy chaired a high-level meeting to assess the security scenario and review protective measures for central institutions located in the state.
The Chief Minister issued clear instructions to ensure uninterrupted public services. Employees in critical sectors – including power, water supply and milk distribution – were directed not to take leave, and those already on leave were asked to return to duty immediately.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu commended the Indian Armed Forces for the action and pledged the full support of his government.
“With pride, I salute the brave warriors of the Indian Armed Forces for swiftly avenging the Pahalgam terror attack. With their unmatched bravery and precision, they have once again demonstrated that our nation will defend itself with iron will,” he wrote in a post on X.
“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the world has witnessed our strength and determination.”
Security efforts have been concentrated on central government institutions, with both states hosting several key defence and strategic establishments.
In Hyderabad, Telangana hosts multiple defence institutions.
The Research Centre Imarat (RCI), a leading laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex, focuses on avionics systems for defence and aerospace.
Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), a missile manufacturer, and the Ordnance Factory in Medak, which produces armoured vehicles, also fall under the Ministry of Defence.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has a station at Hakimpet in Hyderabad, which serves training and operational purposes.
Secunderabad is home to the Military College of Electronics and Mechanical Engineering.
Andhra Pradesh’s most prominent defence asset is the Eastern Naval Command, headquartered in Visakhapatnam.
The Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam, India’s largest, supports critical shipbuilding and maintenance functions.
The city also houses units of DRDO and BDL, including the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), which conducts research on underwater weapons and stealth technologies.
In Nellore district, Sriharikota hosts the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), India’s principal spaceport for satellite launches.
Other key facilities in Visakhapatnam include the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), National Thermal Power Corporation’s (NTPC) Simhadri Super Thermal Power Plant, and offshore oil and gas infrastructure operated by the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) in the Krishna-Godavari basin.
The Power Grid Corporation of India maintains high-voltage transmission networks across the region.
Both states have implemented robust security measures, including increased vigilance at defense and central installations, enhanced public safety protocols, and intensified intelligence-sharing.
Emergency response drills were initiated in line with a Ministry of Home Affairs directive, aiming to simulate potential scenarios such as blackouts and evacuations.
Mock drills were conducted to assess civilian preparedness and ensure smooth execution of evacuation protocols.
Key transit points, including Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport and Secunderabad Railway Station, saw increased security presence, with bomb detection squads and vehicle checks deployed.
“We are already in a high state of alert. After Operation Sindoor, the security measures that are already in place have further been tightened,” an official from the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam told South First.
“We are prepared to face any threat, should the enemy resort to any misadventure.”
Meanwhile, a solidarity event was held at the Mahatma Gandhi statue in NTR Stadium, Narsipatnam (erstwhile Visakhapatnam district), in support of Operation Sindoor.
Under the leadership of Speaker Chintakayala Ayyannapatrudu, a pledge was taken to support the armed forces. “Terrorists will face inevitable punishment,” he said.
The event witnessed wide participation from ward councillors, youth, women and local residents.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
