Odisha Forms Dedicated Land Cell to Protect Lord Jagannath’s Temple Properties

Bhubaneswar: Revenue Secretary Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee has underscored that safeguarding Lord Jagannath’s temple lands is not just a legal obligation but a moral duty of the state.

Chairing a high‑level meeting, he directed officials to expedite the correction of land records in the name of Shree Jagannath Mahaprabhu Bije, Puri, through the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA).

The meeting emphasised the strict implementation of the Supreme Court and Orissa High Court directives on temple land protection.

Special attention will be given to removing illegal encroachments, particularly in Khordha district and along highways.

To strengthen monitoring, monthly reviews will be held under the Khordha Collector, while a new Shree Jagannath Mahaprabhu Land Cell will be established within the Revenue Department.

This cell will coordinate efforts to safeguard temple properties and ensure accountability.

Senior officials, including Khordha Collector Amrit Ruturaj and SJTA officer Debabrata Sahu, attended the meeting, reaffirming the state’s commitment to preserving the sanctity and assets of Lord Jagannath’s temple.