CM Naidu Reduces Security Detail, Embraces Technology for Surveillance

In a move aimed at reducing costs and minimizing public inconvenience, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has significantly scaled down his security detail. Acting on his directives, only 121 police personnel have been deployed outside his residence in Undavalli, a sharp contrast to the 980 officers assigned to guard the residence of YSRCP President and former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy in Tadepalli. During Jagan’s tenure, an estimated ₹90 crore was spent annually on security.

Although Naidu is entitled to Z+ security coverage, he has opted for a more streamlined approach during his field visits. He has instructed police officers to avoid deploying excessive personnel to prevent disruptions to the public. Notably, his convoy now consists of 11 vehicles, compared to the 17 vehicles that were part of Jagan’s convoy during his tenure.

During a recent visit to the Polavaram Irrigation Project site, Naidu observed the extensive security arrangements and suggested the use of drones for surveillance as an efficient alternative. He advised that heavy police deployment should be limited to sensitive areas such as Agency regions and remote locations.

To implement this vision, security officials have decided to deploy autonomous drones to monitor the surroundings of Naidu’s residence in Undavalli. Under the new programme, drones will conduct surveillance every two hours, capturing video footage and sending alerts to the monitoring team if any suspicious activity is detected. This data will then be analysed, and appropriate action will be taken if necessary.

Officials have emphasized that while essential personnel will still be retained, advanced technology will be utilized to ensure the Chief Minister’s safety while optimizing resource use.