(a) whether the Western Command Headquarter of Army (Chandimandir) has requested the Government of Himachal Pradesh to handover 790 acres land in Una District for development of cantonment; and
(b) if so, the response of the Government of Himachal Pradesh thereto?
MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI GEORGE FERNANDES)
(a) & (b): Himachal Pradesh Government had indicated its willingness to offer land in Una to the Army in two pockets separated by a strip of land. The Army Authorities while accepting the offer in principle, for locating their units & establishments, requested the State Government to offer land in one pocket, keeping in view the security considerations. The State Government has, therefore, been requested to confirm the availability of land in one pocket as well as to bear the cost of infrastructural development.