Bhubaneswar, Aug 11: Odisha’s Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari has announced that the state government is preparing to roll out a new displacement and resettlement policy by 2025. This modern framework aims to address the long-standing issues faced by people who lose land due to development projects or natural disasters.

The proposed policy will offer flexible compensation options, allowing affected individuals to choose between monetary compensation or becoming stakeholders in the projects that displaced them. For tribal communities and others who prefer land over cash, the government will provide land-for-land alternatives, ensuring cultural and livelihood continuity.

The initiative stems from historical cases like the 1982 flood in Niali and Badmana, where river course changes led to significant land loss. The government now plans to collect district-level reports to identify such cases and offer appropriate rehabilitation.

Minister Pujari emphasized that no decision will be imposed on displaced individuals. Instead, the policy will be shaped by public feedback and tailored to individual preferences. Those opting to become stakeholders will receive proportional benefits based on the value of their lost land.

In addition, the minister directed revenue officials to resolve all pending settlement cases by October. Many land disputes have remained unresolved for decades, often passed down through generations. Officials have been instructed to conduct fast-track hearings and clear the backlog.

The government is also exploring ways to strengthen revenue courts and improve their efficiency, ensuring timely justice for land-related grievances.

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