Puri: Facing a herculean task, Puri district administration has stepped up negotiations to complete the land acquisition process for development of heritage security zone around Puri Jagannath Temple.
Out of the total 185 families, who will be displaced for the mega project, land belonging to 55 families has already been acquired while talks are on to complete the acquisition by the stipulated deadline of December 2, 2019, said a district administrative official.
The acquisition of land and property for the ‘Development of Security Zone around Shree Jagannath Temple at Puri’ is being carried as per the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 along with a special Rehabilitation and Resettlement policy.
Under the policy, if an affected person hands over his property which is required for acquisition within 30 days of notification, he will get an additional 10% incentive (cash benefits), said the official.
The process to acquire land of several Mutts within 75 meters is underway with the district administration holding talks with the chief of such religious institutions. Moreover, the land belonging to Radha Ballav, Uttar and Dakshina Parwa and Kataki Mutts will be acquired in the first phase, he said.
Compensation will be paid after assessing the value of the land of Mutts and getting necessary approvals from the chiefs of the religious institutions. As per the 2015 Supreme Court’s order, the land of the Mutts belongs to Lord Jagannath and its ownership is with Sri Jagannath Temple’s Managing Committee. Hence, emphasis is now being given on acquisition of the land, the official added.
Puri Collector Balwant Singh informed that the demarcation of government land and the land belonging to Lord Jagannath is being carried out within 100 meters of the temple and steps are being taken for rehabilitation of Mutts.
“The affected families, who will accept the government package by December 2, will get additional 10 percent benefits. As per the cabinet’s authorisation and R&R policy, we have started discussion with the chiefs of the Mutts beyond 100 meters and they are positive about the redevelopment,” said Singh.
Mahant of Uttar Parswa Mutt, Narayan Ramanuj Das said, “The administration should carry out eviction but at the same time emphasis should be given on preserving the historic significance of the Mutts.”