14 hrs ago
West Bengal Government Responds to DRDO Junput Defence Project
West Bengal says it is trying to bring a defence project to Junput.
The project is linked to the Defence Research and Development Organisation, or DRDO.
It could be used to test missiles and other weapons.
Junput would provide another operating area for a test range in Chandipur, Odisha.
The Defence Ministry said the land and some construction work were already finished.
However, work was temporarily stopped because of local unrest.
People living within one kilometre would be moved during testing for safety.
The chief minister did not explain whether the latest response would restart the work or change the plan.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said West Bengal is working to bring a defence project to Junput.
He said the Defence Research and Development Organisation had earlier written to the previous state government without receiving a response.
The planned Junput facility would serve as an additional operational area for the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Odisha.
The Defence Ministry said land acquisition, clearances, roads and hard-standing work had been completed by August 2024.
Testing work was temporarily halted because of local unrest, with residents within one kilometre to be evacuated during tests.
- Who
- West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, the state government and the Defence Research and Development Organisation are involved.
- What
- The state government is responding to a DRDO proposal for a defence test project at Junput.
- Where
- Junput in Purba Medinipur district, West Bengal; the project would support the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Odisha.
- When
- Adhikari made the statement on Friday; the Defence Ministry’s cited update was given in August 2024.
- Why
- The facility is intended to provide an additional area for weapons testing, including missiles described as highly important.
State Government’s Position
Reported Project Status
Response to the proposal
State Government’s Position
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said his government had responded to the DRDO’s earlier letter and was working to bring the project to Junput.
Reported Project Status
The report does not establish that the response will restart construction or alter the original proposal.
Reason for the delay
State Government’s Position
Adhikari blamed the previous TMC government for not responding to DRDO’s communication.
Reported Project Status
The Defence Ministry said work had been temporarily stopped because of local unrest.
Local safety and displacement
State Government’s Position
The project’s testing plan includes evacuation, compensation and safe shelter for residents within one kilometre.
Reported Project Status
The report indicates that local unrest has already affected progress, but does not provide residents’ specific views.
Key facts
- Project location
- Junput, Purba Medinipur district, West Bengal
- Proposed agency
- Defence Research and Development Organisation
- Related facility
- Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Odisha
- Land and construction
- Land acquisition and required clearances were completed; hard-standing and roads were also completed, according to the Defence Ministry.
- Current status
- Work had been temporarily stopped because of local unrest.
- Safety measure
- Residents within a one-kilometre radius would be evacuated during testing, with compensation and safe shelter provided.
Quotes
Suvendu Adhikari
West Bengal chief minister
“It is regarding a defence project in Junput. DRDO had earlier sent a letter to the previous state government regarding the project, but it had not received any response. We have responded to that letter.”
theprint.in
The Defence Ministry
India’s Defence Ministry
“Due to local unrest, the work has been temporarily stopped.”
theprint.in
Sources
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