(a) whether complaints regarding destruction of crops and plantations by the Indian Army in the border areas of the country particularly Sino- Indian border have been received by the Government;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps being taken or proposed to be taken by the Government to protect fertile land in the said areas?
MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI MANOHAR PARRIKAR)
(a) & (b): No complaint appears to have been received regarding destruction of crops and plantation by the Indian Army in the border areas of the country particularly Sino-Indian border.
However, this year on 23rd February, during destruction of unserviceable ammunition a fire broke out in general area Taksing, Arunachal Pradesh. The Army carried out reconnaissance of the area and it was asce- rtained that no damage to life, property and crops occurred.
(c) Indian Army Formations / Units have stan- ding instructions not to damage any crop or plantation while conducting their activities.