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Once thriving with paddy and vegetable cultivation, these irrigated lands are now rapidly transforming into unauthorized residential colonies, in blatant violation of revenue and land-use regulations.
Billboards advertising attractive plotting schemes have mushroomed along the outskirts of Jeypore, luring unsuspecting buyers. Locals allege that despite being aware of the rampant illegal land dealings, authorities have failed to take action, allowing the land mafia to operate unchecked.
Farmers warn that if the situation continues, the region could lose not just its agricultural land but also its agrarian identity, with long-term consequences for livelihoods and local food production.
Residents and Activists Raise Alarm
“Farmers who once sustained their families through agriculture are now helpless against the greed of builders,” residents said, pointing to how irrigated lands are being lost.
Pritish Pattanayak, Secretary of the Raghunath Pattanayak Foundation, said, “We wrote letters, filed a PIL, and even a civil suit against the land mafia. Awareness campaigns were conducted, but to no avail. The government is colluding with local mafias in hopes of generating revenue, with tehsil staff and revenue inspectors involved.”
Local builder Himanshu Mahapatra also warned, “When we take over farmlands, it will create major issues in the future. There will be no farmlands left.”
Administration Promises Action
District Collector Manoj Satyawan Mahajan acknowledged the seriousness of the issue. He said, “There are two types of land, agricultural and non-agricultural. Under the Odisha Land Rights (OLR) Act, strict laws exist for those who build houses or commercial infrastructure without permission. Tehsildars and Sub-Collectors have been instructed to impose penalties and collect processing fees from violators.”
The Collector has convened a meeting with departmental officials and warned of strict action if further illegal plotting is reported.
