Admin to transfer vacant land to PPT

JAGATSINGHPUR: In order to transfer 6,285.54 acres of vacant land to the Paradip Port Trust (PPT), the district administration on Tuesday convened a meeting with the PPT officials. During the meeting, it was found that PPT has already acquired 1,237 acres of land for expansion of different projects. Collector Yamini Sarangi said as per the decision of the State Government, the administration has started discussion with PPT officials about use of these vacant lands. The feasibility report will be sent to the Government soon, she added.

Sources said the district administration had sought the intervention of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department for handing over vacant lands to PPT following a legal dispute in Orissa High Court. In 2015, the High Court had asked the State Government to settle the dispute amicably at the High Power Committee meeting. Later, the administration conducted a survey to identify these lands. It was found that out of 6,285.54 acres of land, 1,237 acres have already been acquired by PPT.

While there were 4,700.65 acres of land in Sandhakud village, 274 acres of eroded portion  was deducted from the area under the possession of PPT. Besides, 70.62 acres of land will be retained by the State Government for Housing Board (40 acres) and Fishery Department (30.62 acres). Out of 4,700.65 acres of land, remaining 4,356.03 acres of land will be mutated in favour of PPT.

Among others, Paradip ADM Biswajit Biswal, Sub-Collector Subash Chandra Nathshrama, Chairman of PPT Rinkesh Ray, Estate Officer of PPT K Thirumala and other senior officials were present.