(a) whether attention of the Government has been drawn to the news captioned `Maharashtra dezoning Plan irks NDA` appeared in `The Indian Express` dated April 2, 2000;
(b) whether there is a move to convert large area of hills near the academy at Khadakwasla from no-development-zone to fully developed residential zone;
(c) whether it is likely to affect the security of the NDA;
(d) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and
(e) the reaction of the Union Government thereto?
MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI GEORGE FERNANDES)
(a) to (e): The Government of Maharashtra had notified in various newspapers their intention to alter the status of the `No Development Zone, Hill Top and Hill Slope Area Zone` to that of a Residential Zone, and had invited objections, if any, from the general public within 60 days of the issuance of the notification. The local army authorities have formally taken up the matter with the Govt. of Maharashtra on behalf of NDA in the recently held Civil-Military Conference highlighting, inter-alia, the possibility of anti-national elements taking advantage of the proposed changes in the zoning plan.