DMK leader M. Karunanidhi made a strong case for setting up a third launch pad of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) at Kulasekarapattinam as this would give a fillip to the much needed industrial development in southern districts.
In a statement, he said scientifically, strategically and geographically Kulasekarapattinam would be an ideal place for the launch pad and its strategically advantageous position would also bring down the project cost substantially.
Mr. Karunanidhi said DMK MP Kanimozhi had already raised the issue in Parliament and the government in its reply had said launching infrastructure at Sriharikota would be strengthened in addition of second vehicle assembly building at SLP, which would enhance the launch frequency to twelve launches per year by 2017.
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The DMK leader alleged that the ISRO had always treated Tamil Nadu’s request with indifference and despite the insistence of many scientists of the ISRO who had preferred Kulasekarapattinam, the organisation had decided to set up the third pad also in Sriharikota.