(a) the details of locations where fertile land was acquired for setting up of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) despite enactment of provisions by the Government in regard to not acquiring fertile land for SEZs along with the reasons therefor;
(b) the total area of land acquired for setting up of SEZs and the area of fertile land out of it; and
(c) the corrective measures taken by the Government in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)
(a) to (c): Land is a State subject. Land for Special Economic Zones (SEZs) is acquired as per the policy and procedures of the respective State Governments. State Governments have been advised that in case of land acquisition for SEZs, first priority should be for acquisition of waste and barren land and if necessary single crop agricultural land could be acquired for the SEZs. If perforce a portion of double cropped agricultural land has to be acquired to meet the minimum area requirements, especially for multi-product SEZs, the same should not exceed 10% of the total land required for the SEZ. The Board of Approval for SEZs (Central Government) only considers those proposals, which have been duly recommended by the State Government.
*****