Question: Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to satate :-

(a) whether it is a fact that Army have at present only 66 Field Firing Ranges (FFRs) against 104 FFRs ten years ago;

(b) if so, the reasons for dwindling number of FFRs for use by tank regiments, mechanized units, artillery gun batteries and mortar fire parties; and

(c) the steps taken by Government to provide for adequate number of FFRs to Army to enable our troops to practice skill and keep machinery well tested?

Answer: Minister of Defence (Shri A.K. Antony)

(a) Yes, Sir.

(b) Notified FFRs are required to be re-notified from time to time as per their validity by respective State Governments and clearance by Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF). Due to increase in population, spread of habitation & development, encroachments, areas being declared as wild life sanctuary / reserve forests, and environmental pressures, the State Governments are often disinclined to re-notify ranges in their jurisdiction.

(c) Concerted efforts are being made at all levels to ensure timely re-notification of the de-notified ranges. One time compensatory Afforestation (CA) charges as required by the respective State Governments have been paid in case of many ranges to ensure their long term re-notification and continued availability. In addition, efforts are on by the Army to impress upon the respective State Governments and MoEF for re-notification / acquisition of field firing ranges.

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