Archive · 30 Jul 2025
Centre to SC: Individuals Encroach 2,024 Acres of Defence Land
The government told the highest court that some land belonging to the defense is being used by people without permission.
Out of a large amount of land, about 2,024 acres are being used by individuals.
Also, some farmers are using about 1,575 acres of land without permission.
The government is working on getting the land back and is looking at ways to exchange land with state governments.
The court is waiting for a new report on what the government is doing to solve this problem.
Centre informs Supreme Court that 2,024 acres of defense land are encroached.
Approximately 75,629 acres of defense land are under the purview of the Defence Estates Organisation.
1,575 acres of land are under unauthorized possession by former agricultural lessees.
The government is exploring land exchanges with state authorities to address occupation.
The court has granted two months for a fresh status report on encroachment removal.
- Who
- The Centre (Government of India), Supreme Court, and individuals encroaching on land.
- What
- The Centre reported to the Supreme Court about encroachment on defense land.
- When
- Report filed on Wednesday, July 30.
- Where
- Across India, involving defense land managed by the Defence Estates Organisation.
- Why
- To address a PIL filed in 2014 regarding encroachment and misuse of defense land.
Government Action
Challenges & Criticisms
Effectiveness of Encroachment Removal
Government Action
Government is taking measures to remove encroachments and digitize records.
Challenges & Criticisms
Lack of effective measures to remove encroachments in the past.
- Total Defense Land
- 75,629 acres
- Encroached by Individuals
- 2,024 acres
- Unauthorised Possession by Lessees
- 1,575 acres
- Land under Govt. Depts
- 819 acres
- Land in Cantonments
- 52,899 acres
- Land outside Cantonments
- 22,730 acres