Puri, Oct 24: In a major move to protect public property, the Odisha government has secured an order to restore around 11 acres of prime land in Konark, estimated to be worth nearly ₹110 crore, to official government records after a decades-long dispute over ownership.
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The Odisha Board of Revenue overturned an order issued by the then Settlement Commissioner 37 years ago, ruling that the disputed land had been recorded in private names on the basis of questionable documents and alleged irregularities.
The decision concerns two parcels of land under Gop tehsil in Puri district: approximately 5 acres and 32 decimals near the helipad close to the Konark Sun Temple, and another 5 acres and 80 decimals near the Chandrabhaga pilgrimage ground.
Board of Revenue Sets Aside Decades-Old Order
Board of Revenue Member Satyabrata Sahu adjudicated the long-pending case and directed that the land be restored to the state government’s account.
According to officials, the dispute arose after the then Settlement Commissioner issued non-final pattas, or provisional land-record documents, in favour of certain individuals in 1998. The records were reportedly based on handwritten pattas and revenue documents.
In 2005, the then Puri Collector initiated two Vigilance cases after obtaining government approval to pursue the recovery of the valuable property. The matter subsequently remained pending before the Board of Revenue.
After examining the case, the Board set aside the earlier order and directed the restoration of the disputed land to government records.
Revenue Officials Mark Land on the Ground
Following the ruling, the Gop tehsildar and Konark revenue officials visited the site, placed red flags on the disputed parcels and issued a public notice on the property.
Gop Tehsildar Jayadratha Acharya said officials had reclaimed 11 acres and 12 decimals of valuable land, describing the decision as a significant step in bringing public property back under government records.
Acharya alleged that influential individuals had used fraudulent handwritten land documents to secure an earlier order recording the property in their names. He said the Board’s decision found irregularities in the documents and paved the way for the land’s restoration.
The allegations and the outcome of the administrative proceedings form the basis of the government’s recovery action.
Prime Land Near Major Tourist Locations
The land’s location adds to its significance. One parcel lies near the helipad adjacent to the Konark Sun Temple, a major heritage and tourist destination, while the other is situated close to the Chandrabhaga pilgrimage ground.
Officials have estimated the combined market value of the land at around ₹110 crore, making the recovery important from the perspective of public asset protection and government revenue.
The case also highlights the long-running challenges authorities face in resolving disputed land records and recovering property allegedly transferred through irregular documentation.
Focus on Protecting Government Property
The Board of Revenue’s order marks a key development in a dispute that has continued for decades. With the land now ordered to be restored to government records, the next steps will involve ensuring that the official records reflect the decision and that the property remains protected in accordance with the law.
The case underscores the importance of scrutinising historical land documents, addressing irregularities in property records and safeguarding valuable public assets from disputed or unauthorised claims.
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