Field Firing Ranges
There is a shortage of Filed Firing Ranges (FFRs) in the Armed Forces.At present there are 66 Field Firing Ranges which include 12 acquired and 54 notified ranges. The number a decade ago was 104.Notified FFRs are required to be re-notified from time to time by respective State Governments after clearance from the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) is received. Due to the increase in human population, the spread of habitation and general development, encroachments, areas being declared as wildlife sanctuaries/reserve forests, and other environmental pressures, the State Governments find it more and more difficult to renotify ranges in their jurisdiction.
Concerted efforts are nevertheless being made at all levels to ensure timely re-notification of the de-notified ranges. One time Compensatory Aforestation (CA) charges as required by the concerned State Governments have been paid in case of many ranges to ensure their long term re-notification and uninterrupted availability. In addition, efforts are continuously being made to impress upon the respective State Governments and the MoEF the need for timely re- notification/acquisition of field firing ranges.
This information was given by Minister of Defence Shri A K Antony in a written reply to Shri P. Viswanathan in Lok Sabha
