HYDERABAD: The state govt is mulling to create a task force aimed at safeguarding temple land parcels within the state. Alongside the establishment of a state-level committee, there is also a proposal to form a dedicated team for each district.

However, the specifics regarding the committee's membership remain unclear. Sources indicate that input from senior officials and department staff is currently being evaluated. "After a detailed discussion govt may announce a plan soon," said sources.
There are 704 temples managed by the endowments department throughout the state, encompassing a total of 91,827 acres of land. Alarmingly, 25,000 acres of this land have already been subject to encroachment, and an additional 6,000 acres are under the jurisdiction of neighbouring states.
To combat further encroachment, the govt has begun implementing measures such as geo-tagging temple properties. The endowment department made sure that nearly 45% of the land parcels were kept in Dharani records. A thorough review of temple land parcels facing legal challenges is also currently underway.
Govt is also thinking of prioritising persons with expertise regarding the land parcels in question to be part of the state-level task force. However, there is deliberation on how to create this task force. "Soon opinions will be taken on this proposed taskforce," said sources. Minister Konda Surekha has reportedly solicited feedback from senior officials on these issues.
Sources said that there are vacant posts in the endowment department. The existing land protection cell of endowment department is also understaffed. Consequently, the formation of the task force raises questions, with some suggesting that addressing the existing vacancies could alleviate the situation.