Question: Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to satate :-

(a) whether it is a fact that a proposal for setting up of missile testing range in Andaman and Nicobar Islands has been rejected by the National Board of Wildlife (NBWL), Ministry of Environment and Forests;

(b) if so, the details of the impact of the delay as well as the further action taken in this regard; and

Answer: Minister of Defence (Shri A.K. Antony)

(a) & (b): No, Sir. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has proposed to establish “Missile Test Range” at Rutland Island in Andaman & Nicobar Islands for testing of long range missiles. The proposal has been accepted by the Government in principle and Feasibility Report has been submitted to Ministry of Environment and Forest in March 2013. A proposal for “Forest Clearance” has also been submitted to Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) in April 2013. DRDO is pursuing the case for early clearance, so that further action could be taken. Meanwhile, testing of missiles are being carried out from existing facilities.

(c) In view of (a) and (b) above, Question does not arise.

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