How is the Odisha Government Protecting Lands of Lord Jagannath Temple?
Synopsis
In a significant move, the Odisha Revenue Department has initiated steps to protect and restore lands belonging to the revered Lord Jagannath Temple in Puri. This meeting highlights the government's commitment to safeguarding spiritual heritage and ensuring effective land management.
Key Takeaways
Establishment of a dedicated Land Cell for Lord Jagannath's properties.
Implementation of Supreme Court and High Court orders regarding land protection.
Correction of land records for properties under Shree Jagannath Mahaprabhu Bije.
Regular review meetings to monitor land protection efforts.
Focus on eviction of illegal encroachments from sacred lands.
Bhubaneswar, Feb 19 (NationPress) The Odisha Revenue Department convened a crucial meeting on Thursday focused on the safeguarding and restoration of lands owned by the Lord Jagannath Temple in Puri, which are situated in various regions statewide.
Chaired by Revenue Secretary Arabinda Kumar Padhee, the high-level discussion aimed to secure the land rights associated with Lord Jagannath.
During the meeting, the Revenue Secretary instructed officials to implement all directives and rulings from the Supreme Court of India and the Orissa High Court related to the safeguarding and restoration of land held by Lord Jagannath.
“Lord Shree Jagannath is seen as the ultimate spiritual landlord of our Odia community. It is thus our shared moral obligation to protect all his lands,” Padhee remarked.
The Revenue Secretary also proposed the establishment of a dedicated Shri Jagannath Mahaprabhu Land Cell within the Revenue Department to enhance the management and protection of the Lord's properties.
He highlighted the importance of rectifying land records (Record-of-Rights) for all properties registered under Shree Jagannath Mahaprabhu Bije in Puri, with the assistance of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), and urged for the swift resolution of outstanding legal cases.
Official sources indicated that the meeting also covered strategies to remove illegal encroachments from lands managed by the ancient shrine, particularly in several Tahasils in the Khordha district and alongside National and State highways.
It was decided that a follow-up meeting on the conservation of Lord Jagannath’s lands will take place on the first Wednesday of each month, led by the Collector of the Khordha district.
Attendees included Amrit Ruturaj, Collector of Khordha; Debabrata Sahu, a senior officer from SJTA; and other senior officials from the Revenue Department's Land Reforms Branch, alongside Sub-Collectors and Tahasildars from Khordha district.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the Odisha government's proactive stance on preserving the lands of Lord Jagannath Temple. This initiative not only upholds the cultural heritage of the region but also reinforces community responsibility towards religious sites. Such steps reflect a growing awareness of the importance of spiritual and historical preservation in contemporary governance.
NationPress
11 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the high-level meeting?
The meeting aimed to discuss the protection and restoration of lands belonging to the Lord Jagannath Temple, ensuring effective implementation of court orders regarding these lands.
Who chaired the meeting?
The meeting was chaired by Revenue Secretary Arabinda Kumar Padhee.
What actions were proposed for land management?
A dedicated Shri Jagannath Mahaprabhu Land Cell was proposed to enhance the management and protection of the Lord's properties.
How often will review meetings occur?
Review meetings on the protection of Lord Jagannath’s lands will occur on the first Wednesday of every month.
