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Title : Need to shift Bagdad Asmara Firing Range to Ramdurg and Marihal Ranges in Belgaum Taluka, Karnataka.
SHRI SURESH ANGADI (BELGAUM): I would like to draw the attention of the Union Government towards the public demand for shifting Bagdad Asmara Firing Range of Belgaum (Karnataka).
Out of the total notified area of 7469.11 acres, only 1302.11 acres in Mondoli village is classified as Military land, the rest i.e. 6167 acres are agricultural land. The farmers are, therefore, affected very much due to military operations in the area falling within the range of their fertile lands. The MLIRC personnel conduct frequent firing exercises at short notices causing problems to farmers who could not venture into farming activities. Few sentries are deployed but of no use. Their losses have not been compensated, so far.
Shifting the Bagdad Asmara Firing Range to Ramdurg and Marihal Ranges in Belgaum Taluka is the need of the hour, though it is little far off from Belgaum Cantonment, as the civilian population is increasing day by day there.
The Army is having in its possession nearly 28,000 acres of land in Belgaum area and has not used the said land for any purpose since independence. Bagdad Asmara Firing Range can be shifted to this land of Army, which could solve the problem in all respects.
I, therefore, urge upon the Union Government to consider shifting the reserved firing range, for the sake and safety of lives of the villagers, farmers and students to the land under possession of Army in Belgaum.