BALASORE (ORISSA), Jan 14: A new sophisticated surface-to-surface missile with a range of 250 km is likely to be test fired either on January 23 or 24 from the interim test range (ITR) at Chandipur-on-sea, about 15 km from here, official sources said today.The missile, which is yet to be named by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is stated to be more powerful than the existing ``Prithvi'' missile, they said.
On the day of the launch from ITR, 792 people belonging to 92 families from four villages, who are residing within a km radius of the risk zone, would be temporarily evacuated, the sources said.
A meeting was held today under the chairmanship of the district collector to make necessary arrangements for people's safety. A detailed survey would be undertaken by the district authorities for the purpose on January 16, the sources added.
Copyright © 1999 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
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