Ahead of missile trial, over 11,000 residents evacuated near DRDO test range in Odisha

BALASORE: More than 11,000 people living near the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Odisha's Chandipur were temporarily evacuated to safer locations on Thursday ahead of a scheduled missile test by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), according to news agency PTI. According to officials, 11,442 residents from 11 hamlets situated within a 3.5-km radius of Launch Pad-3 were evacuated as a precautionary measure. While authorities did not reveal details about the missile or the test, residents were requested to cooperate in the interest of national security. The evacuees were shifted to multipurpose cyclone centres in Bardhanpur, Bhimpur and Tundra villages, as well as the Nidhipada Sevasram. "Food, drinking water and other essential services are being provided to the evacuees. They are also being given remuneration for the day," the official said. Residents had also been evacuated on Wednesday and were allowed to return home later in the evening after the scheduled exercise was completed. "The evacuation has been carried out as a precautionary measure in consultation with DRDO," the official said. Meanwhile, fishermen along the coasts of Balasore, Bhadrak and Kendrapara districts have been advised to stay away from the sea during the day as part of the safety arrangements, officials added.