DGP unveils infrastructure, tourism plans for erstwhile Maoist stronghold Karreguttalu

Director General of Police (DGP) C.V. Anand on Monday visited the scenic Karreguttalu Hills (KGH), once a stronghold of the CPI (Maoists) on the Telangana–Chhattisgarh border, and called for developing it into a tourism destination supported by improved infrastructure and connectivity and outlined a vision to transform the area into a major tourist destination.

During a visit to the remote hill region, the DGP inspected ongoing road construction works in the densely forested area and unfurled the National Flag. He said the area, which had remained affected by Left Wing Extremism (LWE) for decades, was now witnessing a new phase of peace and development following sustained anti-Maoist operations.

Mr. Anand said coordinated efforts by the Telangana Police, Greyhounds, Special Police Forces, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), CoBRA units and the Chhattisgarh Police had significantly curtailed Maoist activities in the region. As a symbolic gesture marking the return of peace, he released white doves during the visit.

Senior officials from the Police, CRPF, Forest, Revenue and other government departments accompanied the DGP, underscoring the administration’s focus on development initiatives in the area following the decline of Maoist influence.

Referring to Operation Kagar, Mr. Anand said nearly 700 Maoists had surrendered, while several senior leaders were killed in encounters while others had rejoined mainstream society. He noted that only a handful of Central Committee leaders remained active across the country.

The DGP said the State government was implementing rehabilitation measures for surrendered Maoists, including financial assistance, land allotment and livelihood opportunities. These measures, he said, were aimed at facilitating their reintegration into society while ensuring continuous monitoring and support.

Highlighting the tourism potential of Karreguttalu Hills (KGH), Mr. Anand said the government planned to develop the area in accordance with environmental and legal norms. He said road connectivity was being strengthened as part of the effort. The tar road from Pamuru to Chalamadava has already been completed, and blacktopping works on the stretch will be taken up shortly.

Besides road infrastructure, the government proposes to provide electricity, mobile connectivity and other basic civic facilities to improve accessibility and encourage tourism in the region.

During the visit, the DGP distributed essential commodities to Gutti Koya families living near the Pamuru camp and assured them of continued government support.

Mr. Anand also lauded the contribution of the CRPF in anti-Maoist operations, noting that its personnel had been working alongside State police forces for decades in challenging conditions. He said personnel of the CRPF’s 196 Battalion continue to serve for extended periods in difficult terrain away from their families and that their dedication and professionalism had played a crucial role in restoring peace and stability in the region.

Additional DGP Sanjay Jain, IG Chandra Shekhar Reddy, Intelligence IG Karthikeya, SIB SP Sindhu Sharma, Mulugu Collector Borkade Hemanth Sahadeorao, Mulugu SP Sudhir Ramnath Kekan, District Forest Officer Vikas Meena, CRPF officers and officials from the Revenue, Tourism and other departments were present