The DRDO’s Integrated Test Range (ITR) located here has not only proved best due to its performance but also contributed significantly towards the development and welfare of the district.
Under its CSR, besides undertaking health , sanitation, plantation, literacy awareness programme, it facilitated weekly OPD for AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, stated its Director Dr Binay Das in a press brief on Wednesday hosted in the wake of the establishment bagging two most coveted awards by the DRDO Delhi , the Silicon Trophy and Agni Award for Excellence in Self Reliance for the year 2016 and 2017 respectively for best laboratory and self reliant endeavour.
Das said that the awards are dedicated not only to the entire staff of ITR but also to the people of Baleswar. Das also said although the unit was established in 1982 and Dr APJ Abdul Kalam was the first Director, the ITR could grow and prove as world class range today after its debut stunning test of Agni missile on May 22 , 1989 .
“From nascent stage it has grown to adult over the period of years with a number of tests round the year and its indigenous infrastructure is second to none in the world, he said.
“Though we are one of top ranges of the world, yet we are not the best in all segments. Still there is room for improvement. Consistent improvement is required to make it better among the best. The dream is to make the range as a research facility instead of mere range,” said Das. Additional Director B Sucherita, Group Director Niladri Roy , CR Ojha , Milan Kumar Pal and other senior officials SK Behera , AN Panda ,Khageswar Sahu and SK Munda were present.