The Odisha government has named the Outer Wheeler Island under Chandabali tehsil in Bhadrak district as A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Island as a tribute to the former President.
Dr. Abdul Kalam Island, formerly known as Wheeler Island, is an island off the coast of Odisha, India, approximately 150 kilometres (93 mi) from the state capital Bhubaneshwar.
The Integrated Test Range missile testing facility is located on the island. The island was originally named after English commandant Lieutenant Wheeler.
The island was renamed to honour the late Indian president, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.
Abdul Kalam Island is located close to the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, the world’s largest rookery of the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles. Abdul Kalam Island’s sandy beaches are a favoured nesting location for the turtles.
