By IANS,
New Delhi : The Defence Research and Development organisation (DRDO) has objected to the development of three new ports in Orissa, the Rajya Sabha was informed Wednesday.
Defence Minister A.K. Antony, in a written reply, said the DRDO opposed the proposal for new ports at Ichudi, Chandipur and Bahabalpur in Balasore district because the areas are extensively used for testing missiles and weapons
Ichudi, he noted, was very near the launch complexes and the movement ships would pose a security threat to DRDO installations.
Further, the proposed ports fell within the notified area of DRDO and Indian Air Force, where dynamic trial and firing of unproved armament stores are being conducted on a regular basis.
The minister added that the DRDO has not suggested any specific alternate site for the ports.