Government Launches Aggressive Drive to Evict Land Encroachers in Odisha
In a decisive move against land encroachment, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi of Odisha has directed district administrations to prioritize the identification and eviction of encroachers on government land. This initiative aims to reclaim government land for public use and development projects, addressing the long-standing issue of illegal land occupation.
A Clear Message to Encroachers
Chief Minister Majhi emphasized the urgency of removing squatters from government land, stating, "The government land is meant for public use and for development projects. Squatters have been creating problems. They need to be removed at the soonest possible." His directive underscores the government's commitment to reclaiming land for its intended purposes and ensuring that development projects can proceed without hindrance.
The Government’s Plan
The Chief Minister's office issued a statement outlining the plan for the eviction drive. District administrations are tasked with identifying encroached lands, evicting the encroachers, and taking steps to prevent future encroachments. This includes fencing the reclaimed land and putting up signboards to clearly mark government property. The initiative will cover both rural and urban areas, ensuring comprehensive action across the state.
Targeting Land Sharks
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari provided further details on the government's decision. He clarified that the initiative specifically targets land sharks who have illegally occupied government land using their financial and muscle power. "The move is not directed against landless people who may be staying on government land. The government is committed to ensuring four decimal of homestead land for every landless in a time-bound manner. Land grabbers will be evicted," C.M. Pujari stated.
C.M. Pujari also highlighted the scarcity of land as a critical issue, stressing that illegal occupation hampers the smooth execution of development projects. "Unless the government removes illegal occupants, there can't be smooth execution of development works," he added.
Focus on Influential Land Grabbers
The eviction drive will prioritize targeting the most influential land grabbers. According to Pujari, the reclaimed land will be utilized for various purposes, ranging from common utility to distribution among landless individuals and development projects. This approach aims to ensure that the reclaimed land benefits the broader public and supports the state's development goals.
District Collectors’ Role
Satyabrata Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, had previously written to district collectors on Saturday, emphasizing the need for optimal management of land resources and the removal of encroachments. Mr. Sahu's communication highlighted concerns raised during a high-level meeting about large-scale encroachments that impair the smooth allocation of land for development purposes.
The revenue department has instructed district collectors to conduct a realistic survey of encroachments and submit action taken reports to the government. This data-driven approach aims to provide an accurate picture of the extent of land encroachment and ensure targeted action.
Priority Areas for Eviction
Government sources have indicated that large-scale land grabbing in the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack will be a priority for the eviction drive. Although a fresh survey is needed to determine the full extent of land grabbing and encroachments, preliminary estimates suggest that over 50,000 acres of government land are illegally occupied across the state.
The Odisha government's crackdown on land encroachers represents a significant step towards reclaiming public land for development and public use. As the eviction drive progresses, district administrations will play a crucial role in identifying and evicting encroachers, ensuring that government land is preserved for its intended purposes.
