‘Land grab’ by KIIT: Special drive to reclaim govt land soon, says Odisha Law Minister

The Odisha government is taking decisive steps to address the illegal occupation of government and forest lands, particularly in light of recent allegations involving the founder of KIIT University in Bhubaneswar. Plans have been announced for a concerted effort by the Revenue and the General Administration (GA) departments to reclaim these lands, informed Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan on Saturday.

In a statement delivered to the Legislative Assembly, Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari had earlier affirmed the government's commitment to tackling encroachments on forest land, irrespective of their purpose. The concerned department is poised to implement necessary measures promptly, said the Law Minister.

Moreover, the Law Minister has confirmed that the Odisha government has initiated the requisite proceedings to address this pressing issue. 

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"We are dedicated to ensuring no illegal encroachments on forest land are tolerated," stated Minister Harichandan.

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It is clear that wherever there is encroachment, a special drive will be taken by concerned departments to clear such encroachments. If anyone has encroached upon government or forest land, action will be taken and the state government has already started the process, he added.

No comments could be obtained by KIIT founder and former BJD MP Achyuta Samanta over the land grab allegations.