Bhubaneswar, Sep 4: Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan has announced a major initiative to reclaim and restore all land belonging to Lord Jagannath, both within the state and beyond.

The state government is working at a rapid pace to recover temple lands that have remained outside the control of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) for years.

Speaking to the media, Harichandan stated that over 58,000 acres of land belonging to Mahaprabhu have been identified across Odisha and other states. Of this, 36,000 to 37,000 acres have already had their documentation completed. The remaining parcels are currently undergoing verification and record preparation.

The minister emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring that all recovered lands are reinvested in the service of Lord Jagannath. “Wherever Mahaprabhu’s land exists — be it in Puri, across Odisha, or outside the state — we are taking all necessary steps to bring it back and use it for temple-related purposes,” he said.

The SJTA is actively preparing legal documents and title deeds for these properties. The government is also conducting a comprehensive assessment to determine the exact location and status of each parcel of land. This includes lands in other states, where the temple owns hundreds of acres.

Harichandan assured that the recovery process is being carried out with urgency and precision. “We are working swiftly to ensure that every inch of Mahaprabhu’s land is accounted for and returned,” he added.

This move is part of a broader effort to preserve the sanctity and heritage of the Shree Jagannath Temple and ensure that its assets are protected and utilized for religious and cultural purposes.