Odisha to Reclaim Unused Industrial Land: Minister

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari has raised serious concerns over large tracts of industrial land lying unused across the state, warning that legal steps will be taken to reclaim such land if it is not put to use.

Speaking to reporters, Pujari said several industrial units have acquired vast patches of land over the years with the promise of setting up industries but have failed to initiate any development even after a decade or more. “There is no sign of industrial activity on many of these plots. They were allotted for industrial purposes, but nothing has materialised even after 10 to 15 years,” he remarked.

The minister informed that the Revenue Department has been given a two-month deadline to identify such cases. District Collectors across Odisha have been directed to conduct a detailed review, assessing the total land acquired by industries, the portion utilised, and the extent of land that remains idle or is being misused.

Based on these district-level reports, the government will take appropriate legal measures to reclaim the unused land, Pujari added.

This move is expected to open up opportunities for more serious investors and ensure responsible utilisation of public resources earmarked for industrial growth.