Mass Evacuation in Odisha Ahead of Missile Test Sparks Villagers' Resentment

The Balasore district administration in Odisha has relocated over 10,000 residents from 10 villages ahead of a scheduled missile test by the DRDO. Despite safety measures and compensation arrangements, villagers express dissatisfaction with inadequate compensation. Temporary facilities have been set up, but the unrest continues among the affected populace.

The Balasore district administration in Odisha has relocated more than 10,000 residents from 10 villages to facilitate a scheduled missile test, according to an official statement.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has completed the necessary range preparations at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur for the missile test to be conducted from launch pad number 3.

The district administration has moved 10,581 people from a 3.5 km radius around the launch site to temporary shelters, said a revenue officer. This is part of safety measures, with compensation promised to the affected residents.

A preparatory meeting was held involving key officials, including the Collector, Ashis Thakare, and Superintendent of Police, Sagarika Nath, to ensure the smooth relocation of residents to nearby temporary shelter centers, as per the revenue officer.

Using public address systems, the administration instructed villagers to evacuate by 4 am Wednesday and stay in camps until further notice post-launch. Compensation will be credited to residents' bank accounts upon reporting to the camp.

Temporary accommodations include nearby schools, cyclone rehabilitation centers, and tent shelters, noted the revenue officer. Ten officials and 22 sections of police personnel are on-site for assistance. Drinking water and a temporary health camp have been arranged.

However, villagers expressed dissatisfaction, citing inadequate compensation, which hasn't been revised for years. Fishermen and farm laborers within the evacuation range also demanded fair compensation.

For one day's displacement, adults receive Rs 300, minors Rs 150, and Rs 75 for food. A petition concerning compensation was submitted to the ADM, Balasore, by some villagers.