In a detailed disclosure to Parliament on Friday, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) revealed that out of approximately 18 lakh acres of defence land across the country, about 11,152 acres are under encroachment. The data was shared by Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth in response to a query in the Lok Sabha, providing an overview of land usage, encroachments, and litigation involving defence property nationwide.

Defence Land Utilisation and Encroachment

According to the ministry, defence land is primarily utilised for bona fide military purposes, serving the strategic, operational, and security requirements of the armed forces. This includes areas used for training, mobilisation exercises, construction of key infrastructure, and housing for personnel.

Of the total defence land, around 45,906 acres have been identified as surplus, i.e., not currently required for operational or strategic purposes. These surplus lands have been circulated among other central government departments to ascertain potential alternative uses. However, the disclosure highlights that 11,152 acres have been encroached upon, while 8,113 acres of defence land are currently under litigation, reflecting ongoing legal disputes over ownership or usage rights.

Minister Seth noted that land which may appear unused is often earmarked for long-term military requirements, including training grounds, mobilisation practices, construction of married accommodation, and other developments as per Key Location Plans.

Impact on Rural Communities and Compensation

In response to questions regarding the impact of prolonged acquisition processes or eviction drives on rural communities affected by defence land requirements, the Ministry of Defence clarified that no formal assessment has been carried out. However, the government maintains that whenever private lands are acquired for defence purposes, affected landowners are compensated and rehabilitated in accordance with the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 (LARR Act). These measures ensure that communities displaced or impacted by land acquisitions receive monetary compensation and resettlement support as prescribed by law.

Procurement Budget Utilisation

Separately, the ministry addressed queries regarding capital acquisition and procurement of defence equipment. Reports had emerged suggesting that the government returned ₹12,500 crore from the 2024-25 capital acquisition budget due to slow procurement. Minister Seth clarified that the Defence Services had been allocated ₹1,72,000 crore under the Budget Estimate for 2024-25, which was later revised by the Ministry of Finance to ₹1,59,500 crore under the Revised Estimate. Contrary to the reports, the entire allocation was reportedly utilised by the Ministry of Defence during the financial year, ensuring that procurement plans and capital expenditure proceeded as intended.

On efforts to expedite defence acquisitions, the government confirmed plans to implement proposed amendments to the Defence Acquisition Procedure aimed at minimising procurement timelines and streamlining defence equipment procurement. This move is expected to reduce delays in modernisation initiatives and enhance operational readiness of the armed forces.

State-Wise Defence Land and Encroachment

While the MoD did not provide full details in the parliamentary disclosure, it indicated that state-wise details of defence land, encroachments, and litigation are maintained. The information is used for strategic planning, monitoring of encroachments, and coordinating with state governments where disputes or rehabilitation efforts are required.

The revelation of over 11,000 acres under encroachment underscores the complex challenges in managing defence land in India, particularly given the vast geographic spread and overlapping demands from urbanisation, industrial expansion, and local communities. It highlights the need for effective monitoring, legal enforcement, and rehabilitation mechanisms to protect strategic defence assets while ensuring fair treatment for affected citizens.

Significance of Defence Land Management

Defence land constitutes a critical national asset, often located in strategically sensitive regions, near military bases, or along border areas and coastal zones. Proper management ensures that the armed forces maintain operational readiness, secure training grounds, and have the infrastructure needed for both peace-time and emergency mobilisation.

Encroachments on such land can pose significant challenges, not only in terms of legal complications and administrative burden but also in strategic security considerations. Defence land under encroachment may be vulnerable to civilian settlements, commercial development, or unregulated activities, which could compromise military operations or restrict expansion for critical infrastructure.

Government Measures and Oversight

The government’s disclosure indicates that a systematic process exists for identifying surplus lands, monitoring encroachments, and facilitating interdepartmental use. Compensatory mechanisms and rehabilitation under the LARR Act are designed to balance strategic military requirements with social justice and community welfare.

Furthermore, the MoD is actively exploring ways to expedite defence procurements and modernisation projects to ensure that land and infrastructure investments are optimally utilised. Implementation of the revised Defence Acquisition Procedure is expected to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability in procurement processes.

Conclusion

The revelation of encroachments on 11,152 acres of defence land, coupled with ongoing litigation on 8,113 acres, highlights the challenges faced by the armed forces in land management. While most defence land continues to serve critical operational and strategic purposes, the disclosure calls attention to the need for vigilant monitoring, prompt legal action, and judicious use of surplus lands.

By combining strategic oversight with legal enforcement and rehabilitation measures, the government aims to ensure that India’s defence land remains protected while also addressing socio-economic concerns arising from land acquisition. The commitment to full utilisation of budget allocations and reforms in procurement procedures further reflects a broader strategy to strengthen the nation’s defence readiness while maintaining transparency and accountability.