Odisha to Launch Statewide Drive to Reclaim Encroached Government Land

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is preparing to launch a massive drive to reclaim encroached government land across the state, Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari announced today. He warned that strict action will be taken against those who fail to voluntarily surrender illegal holdings.

“Many influential people have encroached upon government land across the state. They should immediately surrender these properties. Otherwise, the government will evict the encroachers and recover the cost of eviction from them,” Pujari said.

As part of the initiative, the Revenue Department has instructed all Tehsildars to prepare a detailed database of encroached government land, including information about the properties and the individuals involved.

Pujari reiterated the government’s commitment to providing 4 decimals of land to all landless families in Odisha, while making it clear that no leniency would be shown toward influential encroachers.

Earlier, district Collectors had been directed to identify and reclaim encroached government land in both rural and urban areas. Recently, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi informed the Odisha Assembly that nearly 500 acres of government land in Bhubaneswar alone have been illegally occupied by wealthy and influential individuals.