March 21, 2002

/LOK SABHA/

'33'

MODERNISATION OF AMMUNITION DEPOTS

   In order to meet the shortage of accommodation presently available in the Ammunition Depots for the storage of ammunition, projects of a value of Rs. 496 crores have been approved during the last three years. These projects involve the construction of modern ammunition store houses. Further, there is a proposal for the construction of some more depots which would use the latest technology to cater for the ammunition which would accrue in the ensuing future and to decongest the existing depots. The exercise to identify the land to meet this requirement both from the operational and safety point of view is in progress.

    The yearwise allocation of funds for construction of proper ammunition store houses in the existing depots is as under:-

(i) 1999-2000 Rs. 121 Crores
(ii) 2000-2001 Rs. 228 Crores
(iii) 2001-2002 Rs. 147 Crores

    The above projects are likely to be completed by the year 2004-2005.    

    This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri George Fernandes in a written reply to Shrimati Shyama Singh and others in Lok Sabha today.