Odisha government orders review of unused government land

The Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Department has ordered all district Collectors to conduct a time-bound review of government land. The directive targets land that has remained unused for extended periods or is being utilized for purposes other than those for which it was originally allotted.

The review encompasses land provided through various methods, including advance possession, permissive possession, lease, and alienation. Authorities are instructed to identify cases that require resumption, relinquishment, or other legal actions. Additional Chief Secretary Arabinda Kumar Padhee emphasized that government land is a valuable public resource that must be protected from unauthorized occupation and unlawful retention.

District administrations have been directed to perform field-level verifications. The government has also issued a warning to revenue officials, stating they must act impartially and fearlessly, especially when dealing with influential individuals or organizations. Any government employees found colluding with corrupt entities or vested interests may face disciplinary and criminal proceedings.