The training imparted to cadets of the Indian Army at the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) here has suffered a setback with the State government revoking its permission for using the notified firing range at Hanumanthapuram in Chengalpet district.

Though the Army has been using the firing range for several decades now for training its cadets on using heavy ammunition, the State government revoked its permission in January, following reports of citing a leopard in the vicinity, official sources told The Hindu .

Though the Academy at St. Thomas Mount has firing ranges within its campus, they can be used only for training in small arms. “Only at Hanumanthapuram firing range, can we train our cadets is use of 81-mm mortars and hand-held rocket launchers,” a senior Army official said.

After the permission to use Hanumanthapuram as a firing range was revoked, cadets at OTA are taken to Veeramalai firing range in Tiruchi, which is over 400 km from the Academy for training in firing skills.

“We have to carry our ammunition and cadets all the way. Though the training at the Academy is for 10 months, we are forced to spend at least a week in taking men and material to the new firing range,” he said, pointing out that even the Veeramalai firing range was not fit for training in mortars and hand-held rocket launchers.

When contacted a senior State government official confirmed the revoking of permission, citing reports of a leopard in the nearby villages of Chengalpet district few months back.

“The Army has approached us seeking temporary permission to use the firing range at least for four to five days. The District Collector has sent a proposal regarding the firing range. We are looking into it,” he said.

The range with a hillock behind it is located in the protected forest area and is an ideal spot for training Army cadets as well as security personnel, as it is away from human habitation and located within an hour’s drive from the State capital.

The open area adjoining the firing range was used often for adventure activity like skydiving.

The OTA is the only Academy in the country that trains women officers of the Indian Army.

State government revokes permission following reports of leopard sightings