"Computerisation of land records is already going on and is likely to be completed by March 2011. Steps have been initiated to streamline proper management of defence land and its protection," Defence Minister A K Antony said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.
"Two projects, one of digitisation of land records and the other on Survey of Defence Land using modern technology have been sanctioned recently. Both projects are to be carried out in a time-bound manner," the Minister said.
The Defence Ministry has around 17 lakh acres of land under it at various locations across the country and the decision to update the land records was taken after scams such as Adarsh Housing Society and Kandivali broke out. He further added, "It has been decided to review the practice of issuing NOC for construction of buildings on lands adjoining the Defence lands."
The Minister informed the House that Parliamentary Panel has suggested for an independent regulator to oversee the defence lands. "Guidance of the Standing Committee has been sought on the powers and role of the Independent Regulator and the difference between him and the Directorate General Defence Estate (DGDE)," he said.
Meanwhile, answering another query, Antony said 70 acres of defence land has been freed from encroachment in last three years and 227 cases of encroachment over the same are pending in various courts.
"Approximately 70 acres of land under the jurisdiction of DGDE has been freed from the encroachment during the last three years... 227 cases are pending in various courts as reported by DGDE, he added.