Puri: District administration here has stepped up negotiations to complete acquisition of land needed for the development of a ‘Heritage Security Zone’ around the Jagannath Temple in Puri.
The land acquisition 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 a district administration official.
The process to acquire land of several mutts within 75 meters is underway with the district administration holding talks with the heads of these religious institutions. Moreover, the land belonging to Radha Ballav, Uttar and Dakshina Parswa mutts and Kataki Mutts will be acquired in the first phase.
Compensation will be paid after assessing the value of the land of mutts and getting necessary approvals from the heads of these religious institutions.
According to a 2015 Supreme Court 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.
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.
Seer 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.”
PNN