Ahead of a scheduled missile test by India’s DRDO, the Balasore district administration in Odisha evacuates 11,442 residents from 11 hamlets within a 3.5-km radius of Launch Pad-3 at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur. Officials describe the move as a precautionary measure carried out in consultation with DRDO. The administration does not publicly specify the missile or the nature of the test, but tells residents to cooperate for national security.
Evacuees are temporarily accommodated at multipurpose cyclone centres in Bardhanpur, Bhimpur and Tundra villages, and at the Nidhipada Sevasram. Officials say food, drinking water and other essential services are provided and that evacuees receive remuneration for the day. Some residents are also shifted from their homes the previous day and are allowed to return in the evening after the scheduled exercise.
Separately, fishermen operating along the coast of Balasore, Bhadrak and Kendrapara districts are advised not to venture into the sea on the day as an additional safety precaution. The reports indicate the evacuations are intended to reduce risk during the missile test.
