Encroachment of Defence Land The extent of defence land under encroachment for which the management of land lies with Defence Estates Organization was about 4714 acres as on 31.12.2015. Out of this, about 2288 acres of land was under the unauthorized occupation of ex-agricultural lessees whose leases have already expired and about 799 acres was under the unauthorized occupation of State or Central Government authorities. Thus, only about 1627 acres of defence land under the management of Defence Estates Organization is under encroachment by private persons. Detection, prevention and removal of encroachments are the ongoing processes. While old encroachments are being removed gradually, due efforts are being made not to allow new encroachments and to take prompt action against such cases. Following steps have been taken in this connection: Defence land records management system has been strengthened by computerization of defence land records. Court cases are being pursued to evict encroachers. Close liaison is being maintained with revenue and civil police authorities to detect and prevent attempts to encroach upon the defence land by encroachers. State authorities are approached for removal of encroachers. Defence land located in isolated locations is fenced and regular patrolling is being carried out to safeguard the land from encroachers. Regular verification reports / certificates are being issued by the Defence Estates Officers and Local Military Authorities as is required under the existing rules and policy instructions. Eviction notices are issued from time to time as per rules and existing policy of Government of India. This information was given by Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar in a written reply to Shri Ambeth Rajan in Rajya Sabha today. DM/NAMPI/RAJ
