Nilagiri: A weather-measuring instrument fell from the sky and landed on a sal tree near an anganwadi centre at Gendara Sahi under Naranpur panchayat in Nilagiri block Friday, triggering panic and speculation among local residents.
The plastic box-like object was found hanging from the tree by a yellow cord and bore the marking “P0086”.
As its origin was unknown, some residents suspected it could be an explosive and informed Berhampur police. Police reached the spot, brought down the object and opened it for inspection.
They found an antenna and transmitter inside, along with a label identifying it as a weather-measuring instrument.
A website address was also found on the equipment. Police contacted the agency through the website and subsequently approached the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to ascertain the origin of the device.
It was later learnt that the equipment was part of a weather-monitoring experiment.
The balloon carrying the instrument had burst during the test, causing the device to fall from the sky and land in the area.
The clarification eased concerns among local residents, who had initially remained apprehensive a