‘AP records significant progress in Law & Order’

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Andhra Pradesh Home Affairs and Disaster Management Minister Vangalapudi Anita stated that the coalition government, under the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, has achieved substantial progress over the last two years in strengthening law and order, enhancing women’s safety, combating drug abuse, tackling cybercrime, modernizing disaster management, reforming prisons, and improving police welfare. Addressing a press conference at the State Secretariat, the minister said the government has transformed administrative systems into citizen-centric institutions focused on transparency, accountability, and public service.

According to the minister, overall crime in the state has declined by 14.1 percent due to enhanced surveillance systems, scientific investigation methods, and inter-departmental coordination. The use of CCTV networks, drones, artificial intelligence-based analytics, and digital monitoring systems has enabled “invisible policing,” helping authorities identify and prevent criminal activities proactively.

The government has placed special emphasis on women’s security through dedicated safety mechanisms, district-level monitoring systems, and technology-driven emergency response services. Anita revealed that the Shakti App has received more than 11.15 lakh SOS alerts, with authorities responding swiftly to distress calls. She reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that women can move freely and safely at any time.

The minister highlighted the success of Operation Muskaan, under which 8,396 missing children, women, and elderly citizens were traced and reunited with their families. She described the initiative as a reflection of the police department’s humane and compassionate approach.

The government’s anti-drug campaign has intensified through the EAGLE task force, which has targeted interstate narcotics networks and illegal cannabis cultivation. Authorities registered 56,674 ganja-related cases, initiated legal action against 2,366 individuals, and seized assets worth over Rs 4 crore. The state’s objective is to achieve a “zero ganja cultivation” status.

On cybercrime, the minister said the government has established cyber war rooms, strengthened coordination with banks and telecom providers, and enhanced the effectiveness of the 1930 cyber helpline. These measures have helped prevent financial frauds amounting to nearly ₹247 crore.

Emergency response times have improved dramatically, with average response times reduced from 30 minutes to less than 10 minutes, achieving a 97.47 percent response efficiency rate. The government has also strengthened disaster preparedness through 26 NDRF teams, 22 SDRF teams, drone surveillance, early warning systems, and real-time monitoring mechanisms.