Prahaar missile test rescheduled

BALASORE: The maiden test of short-range surface-to-surface tactical ballistic missile Prahaar has been rescheduled. The missile which was initially planned to be test-fired on July 17 has reportedly been rescheduled for July 21.Defence sources said the missile will be tested from the launching complex-III of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) off the Chandipur coast in Balasore district. Administrative decision has been cited as the cause of delay.An official said as the mission involves massive evacuation and temporary settlement of people and cattle, the defence authorities have to depend on the administration for ground clearance. In a meeting, it was decided to go for the test on July 21. “As the missile will be tested in vertical mode (at an angle of 89 degree), the mission needs evacuation of people,” he said.  It has been estimated that as many as 3,220 persons from six hamlets - Khadupahi, Kusumulipahi, Bhimpurpahi, Jaydevkasaba Pahi, Sahaza Nagar Pahi and Luna Pahi -  close to the ITR will be shifted ahead of the test.Meanwhile, in consultation with the local defence authorities the district administration has hiked the compensation amount for the people who will be displaced temporarily for the missile test. While an adult will be given Rs 165, the children will get Rs 95 each. The amount includes food expenses of Rs 25 each. Similarly, Rs 50 will be given for the fodder expenses of cattle to each household. Earlier, the adults and children were getting Rs 145 and Rs 80 each respectively.  The villagers would be shifted for 10 hours. In-charge Collector Sribatsa Jena said the administration had made elaborate arrangements for the comfortable stay of the people in temporary shelters. “While a team of cops will guard them, medical teams be kept ready to provide the displaced persons medical attention,” he said.The Prahaar missile system which has a strike range of 150 km can handle several targets at once. It could be used for hitting both tactical and strategic targets and would be extremely useful in emergency situations.A defence scientist said this missile is taller and slender than other Indian missiles with the same strike range. “The missile and its launcher have been designed in such a way that six missiles equipped with omni-directional warheads can be fitted in one launcher,” he said.