Finally, there is some hope for the historic ‘rocket court’ in Srirangapatna from where the ‘Tiger of Mysore’, Tipu Sultan, designed and fired the world’s first war rocket nearly 250 years ago catching the mighty British army off guard during the Anglo-Mysore wars in the 1790s. The Chief Controller of Defence Research and
Development Organisation (DRDO), Dr W. Selvamurthy, is expected to visit the site on August 14, study the condition of the monument and submit a detail report to the Centre on its protection. Currently, the rocket court is an eyesore threatened by encroachments and illegal activities. Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Mr Selvamurthy said: “I am coming for a review meeting in Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL) on August 14 and will visit the rocket court in Srirangapatna en route to Mysore or go there on August 15. I should thank the Deccan Chronicle for bring the issue to the notice of DRDO. I will personally follow up the case on priority and ensure history is well-protected for the future generations”.
The DRDO’s top brass also said he has gone through the report submitted by former DRDO chief Dr Sivathanu Pillai in 2006 on the pathetic condition of the rocket court and recommendations on converting the site into a ‘rocket museum’. “I have studied the report and spoken to Dr Pillai. It’s unfortunate that the recommendations were not taken seriously. Former President Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam has special interest in the project. The DRDO will now take up the issue with the highest authority”.