Question : COMPENSATION TO VILLAGERS FARMERS

(a) whether anny has taken over agricultural land from the villagers/farmers on the Indo-Pak border of Punjab and other States for laying mines;

(b) if so, the estimated land under military occupation;

(c) the criteria adopted for paying compensation alongwith the amount of compensation paid to fanners/villagers during the last three years;

(d) whether the land is restored to fanners after de-mining;

(e) if so, the details in this regard; and

(f) if not, the reasons therefor and the time by which the same is likely to be restored?

MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI PRANAB MUKHERJEE)

(a) Yes, Sir. Certain lands of farmers on the Indo-Pak border in Punjab, Rajasthan and Jammu & Kashmir were occupied by the Anned Forces for laying of mines and other operational purposes for Operation Parakram.

(b) An area of 710.216 acres of land in Punjab and other States is still under military occupation.

(c) Crop compensation for damaged Rabi crop of 2001-2002 was admissible, and for occupation of land after the Rabi crop, the admissible compensation was @ 50% of the gross estimated produce for cultivable land. Rental compensation was admissible for uncultivable land. A sum ofRs. 2,70,15,82,696/- has been sanctioned during the last three years as crop and rental compensation.

(d) to (f): Out of 1,62,864 acres of land occupied initially, an area of 1,62,153.784 acres has been restored to the farmers. Of the remaining area of 710.216 acres, 376.544 acres is State Government land in Jammu and Kashmir. The remaining area of 333.672 acres are private lands which are required for operational purposes.