Minister Suresh Pujari advocates for reclaiming idle government land for public development

Balangir: Revenue and disaster management minister Suresh Pujari on Wednesday directed officials to reclaim unused land held by various govt departments and institutes, emphasising its repurposing for public development initiatives.During a day-long visit to Balangir, the minister chaired a high-level review meeting at the district forest office, focusing on land and revenue administration. He instructed officers to return idle plots to the govt and ensure their optimal use under various schemes.The minister also called for time-bound resolution of land patta distribution under Vasundhara Yojana, verification of previously allotted homestead lands, and regularisation of land for educational institutes.

He set a two-month deadline for settling eviction and rehabilitation cases under the Forest Rights Act.Pujari stressed rehabilitation of families residing on pasture lands and urged swift disposal of pending land and revenue cases, particularly those involving the elderly and vulnerable. He also discussed granting revenue village status to eligible habitations and improving infrastructure at anganwadi centres.

Tehsildars and sub-collectors were advised to adopt a zero-tolerance approach toward encroachments and ensure protection of govt land. The minister directed officials to expedite land acquisition for the proposed railway line in Balangir and the upgradation of Tusura airstrip.In a major infrastructure push, Pujari instructed the roads and buildings department to initiate construction of a new collectorate building at an estimated cost of Rs 100 crore. He also addressed concerns related to displaced families under the Lower Suktel irrigation project and fertiliser shortages.The meeting was attended by local MLAs and senior district officials, with Pujari urging the revenue and land acquisition department to strengthen delivery mechanisms and bring revenue services closer to citizens.