Balasore: The Balasore district administration has stepped up evacuation measures ahead of a scheduled missile test at Chandipur, temporarily relocating thousands of residents and domestic animals from areas falling within a 3.5-kilometre radius of Launch Complex-3 (LC-3) as part of mandatory safety protocols.
The evacuation drive resumed on Thursday, with authorities aiming to complete the relocation process before the missile trial begins. Officials said the exercise is being carried out to ensure the safety of local residents during the defence testing programme.
Over 11,000 People Being Relocated
According to district administration sources, approximately 11,442 residents from villages located near the testing zone are being evacuated and shifted to designated shelter camps.
Along with residents, domestic animals are also being relocated from the restricted area to prevent any risk during the missile launch operation.
Officials have appealed to villagers to cooperate with the administration and follow safety instructions to facilitate the smooth conduct of the test.
Four Shelter Camps Activated
To accommodate the evacuees, the administration has set up temporary shelter facilities at four locations:
- Multipurpose Cyclone Shelter, Bardhanpur High School
- Multipurpose Cyclone Shelter, Bhimipur
- Tundara Shelter Centre
- Nidhipada Sevashram Shelter
Residents will remain at these facilities until the missile testing exercise is completed and authorities declare the area safe for return.
Arrangements for Food, Water and Healthcare
The district administration has made comprehensive arrangements at the shelter camps to ensure the comfort and well-being of evacuees.
Facilities include:
- Cooked food and dry ration
- Safe drinking water
- Healthcare and medical assistance
- Sanitation facilities
- Basic emergency support services
Officials said special attention is being given to children, elderly citizens and vulnerable groups during the temporary relocation process.
Safety Measures Ahead of Strategic Defence Exercise
This is not the first evacuation conducted for the upcoming missile trial. A similar relocation exercise was carried out on Wednesday as part of the preparatory measures.
Chandipur, home to the renowned Integrated Test Range, regularly hosts missile tests conducted by the Defence Research and Development Organisation. Temporary evacuations are a standard safety procedure whenever missile launches are scheduled from the facility.
Authorities emphasized that the precautionary measures are necessary to ensure public safety while allowing the strategic defence exercise to be conducted smoothly and securely.
With the evacuation process nearing completion, all arrangements are in place for the scheduled missile test, while officials continue to monitor the situation and assist affected residents throughout the operation.
