The Revenue and Disaster Management Department will soon issue a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to streamline the settlement of unregistered land cases across Odisha.
The decision was taken during a high-level review meeting chaired by the state’s Revenue Department, where officials were instructed to speed up the disposal of pending land-related cases and amendments under Praja Khata-II.
The government said the upcoming SOP is aimed at improving transparency, efficiency, and consistency in land settlement procedures throughout the state.
Government Warns Against Encroachment on Public Land
During the meeting, officials were also directed to take strict action against encroachment of government land.
Authorities stated that individuals illegally occupying public land could face legal action as the administration intensifies monitoring and enforcement measures.
The Revenue Department has prioritised faster correction of land records and settlement disputes as part of broader reforms in land administration.
Monthly Targets Fixed for Revenue Inspectors
To improve efficiency, Revenue Inspectors across districts have been assigned monthly targets to correct between 250 and 300 land records.
The state government also plans to rank districts based on their performance in revenue administration, disposal of land cases, and record correction efficiency.
According to official estimates, nearly 38,000 acres linked to unregistered land cases were pending from the previous year. So far, settlement cases involving approximately 7,000 acres have already been resolved, with tenancy rights formally recorded.
BDA Releases Draft SOP for Land Parcel Reconstitution
Meanwhile, the Bhubaneswar Development Authority has released a draft SOP for land parcel reconstitution under Town Planning Schemes 42 to 45 in Zone IV of Bhubaneswar.
The proposed framework covers parts of Bijipur, Kasipur, Bhagabanpur, Baliapada, and Patrapada villages.
Officials said the initiative is designed to ensure fair and transparent redistribution of reconstituted plots while maximising benefits for landowners.
Proposed SOP Aims to Reduce Land Disputes
The draft guidelines propose a uniform process for plot reconstitution to minimise disputes and improve stakeholder confidence in urban planning projects.
The framework also allows:
- Merging of smaller plots
- Joint applications by multiple landowners
- Allotment of plots along wider roads, depending on feasibility
The BDA has invited suggestions and feedback from stakeholders and residents within seven days as part of the public consultation process.
Push for Faster Urban and Revenue Reforms
The latest developments come as Odisha continues to modernise land administration and urban planning systems.
Recently, the state government also announced a seven-day deadline for house plan approvals, warning officials of penalties for unnecessary delays.
The proposed SOPs are expected to simplify procedures for citizens, reduce pending disputes, and strengthen public confidence in land governance.
