(a) whether encroachment on defence land has taken place in certain States;
(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise;
(c) whether appropriate measures have been taken to remove encroachment from the said land; and
(d) if so, the details of the area of defence land freed from encroachment during the last three years?
MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI MANOHAR PARRIKAR)
(a) Yes, Madam.
(b) The State wise details are enclosed as Annexure-‘A’.
(c) Detection, prevention and removal of encroachments is an ongoing process. While old encroachments are being removed gradually, due efforts are being made to take up the new cases of encroachment. Following steps have been taken to remove encroachments from Defence land :
(i) Defence land records management system has been strengthened by computerization of defence land records held by Defence Estates Officers and Cantonment Boards.
(ii) Court cases are being pursued to evict encroachers.
(iii) Close liaison is being maintained with revenue and civil police authorities to detect attempt to encroach upon the defence land by encroachers.
(iv) State authorities are approached for removal of encroachers.
(v) Defence land located in isolated locations are fenced and regular patrolling is being carried out to safeguard the land from encroachers and unauthorised construction.
(vi) Verification of Defence land is being carried out regularly through Board of Officers, with the representatives of Defence Estate Officers and Land Revenue Authorities.
(vii) Eviction notices are issued from time to time as per existing policy of Govt. of India.
(d) During the last three years, extent of defence land, recorded as encroached has been reduced by approximately 2512.83 acres.
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