The Odisha government has directed all district collectors to identify and remove encroachments on government land in both rural and urban areas as per the existing rules, with a sense of urgency.

In a letter addressed to the district collectors on Saturday, Satyabrata Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, emphasized the need for swift action in this regard. This directive comes in the wake of serious concerns raised during a high-level meeting about the widespread encroachments on government land.

Sahu highlighted the importance of addressing the issue promptly and effectively. “It is imperative that we identify all instances of encroachment and take appropriate measures to remove them as per the extant rules,” he stated in the letter.

The ACS urged the collectors to ensure that the process of identifying and removing encroachments is carried out meticulously and expeditiously. The directive aims to restore government land for public use and prevent further unauthorized occupation.

This move by the Odisha government underscores its commitment to maintaining the integrity of public land and ensuring that it is used for the benefit of the community. The district collectors have been instructed to prioritize this task and report the progress of their actions.

Encroachments on government land have been a longstanding issue, affecting development projects and public infrastructure. The government’s proactive stance is expected to address these challenges and reinforce the rule of law across the state.