Odisha Orders Statewide Review of Idle, Misused Government Land

The Odisha government has stepped up its drive to protect and recover government land that has remained unused, been retained without proper justification, or diverted from its approved purpose.
The Revenue and Disaster Management Department has directed all District Collectors to conduct a time-bound, detailed review of government land handed over through advance possession, permissive possession, lease or departmental transfer.
Additional Chief Secretary and Revenue Secretary Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee stressed that government land is a public resource and cannot be allowed to remain idle or be used in violation of settlement conditions.
Action Against Unauthorised Use

Collectors have been asked to verify such properties on the ground and initiate action wherever violations are detected. Land granted through advance or permissive possession but lying vacant or being improperly managed will be examined under the relevant provisions of the Odisha Government Land Settlement (OGLS) Rules, 1983.
Leased government plots will also undergo case-by-case scrutiny. Land that has remained unused for more than three years after settlement, or has been diverted for an unauthorised purpose, may be resumed by the government.
Departments Must Return Unused Land
The government has also ordered a review of land transferred to various government departments. Properties that have remained unutilised for more than three years are to be formally relinquished to the Revenue Department.
The department has further warned against collusion between officials and individuals or organisations benefiting from irregular land use. Officials found facilitating such violations could face disciplinary as well as criminal proceedings.
Monthly Reports From Collectors

District Collectors will be responsible for monitoring the entire exercise and maintaining updated records of government land. They have been directed to submit online progress reports by the 5th of every month, covering cases involving advance possession, permissive possession, land resumption and relinquishment.
The move is aimed at ensuring that valuable government land is not left unused or diverted illegally and is instead made available for development and public welfare purposes.