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

(a) whether Government has received proposal for establishment of two more missile ranges;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the reasons why Government is delaying the decision on this strategically important requirement; and

(d) by when these ranges would be sanctioned?

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

(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has proposed to set up two Missile Test Ranges at the following locations:-

(i) Rutland Island at Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
(ii) Nagayalanka in Krishna District of Andhra Pradesh.

A proposal for diversion of forest land in Andaman & Nicobar Islands has been initiated by DRDO. A request has also been made to the Government of Andhra Pradesh to spare unassigned revenue land and reserve forest land at Nagayalanka.

(c) Both the projects for setting up of Missile Test Ranges are at the initial planning stages and land acquisition process is on.

(d) These projects would be sanctioned after the proposals are cleared by the Ministry of Environment and Forest and Revenue Authorities.

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