In a written reply in the Lok Sabha on December 12, 2011, Defence Minister AK Antony stated that the number of Field Firing Ranges (FFRs) has declined in the last few decades. The drop has been from 104 to 66 (12 acquired and 44 notified ranges), 38 ranges were deleted from the list of FFRs in 2009 because they were not available on account of being declared as wildlife sanctuaries. They were not renotified by the state governments.
Operational 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) has been received. Due to increase in population, spread of habitation development and other factors the state governments are often disinclined to re-notify ranges in their jurisdiction.
Concerted efforts are being made at all levels to ensure timely re-notification of the de-notified ranges.
