The Odisha government has launched a systematic initiative to recover and safeguard the vast land properties belonging to Lord Jagannath, both within and outside the state, Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan informed on Wednesday.

As per official estimates, Lord Jagannath owns nearly 58,000 acres of land. The minister stated that documentation for around 36,000 to 37,000 acres has already been completed, while efforts are underway to finalize records for the remaining parcels.

“The government is working swiftly to assess and secure Mahaprabhu’s properties so that these assets are protected and utilized for Lord Jagannath’s purposes,” Harichandan said. These lands include properties in Puri, across Odisha, and even in other states.

This initiative comes in response to a directive issued in May by the Orissa High Court, which asked the state government to ensure robust protection of Jagannath temple properties. A bench led by Justice Sanjeev Kumar Panigrahi had directed the digitization of temple records, proper mutation and transfer of land, and the framing of clear guidelines for managing these assets.

The High Court further instructed revenue and land record authorities to accurately register the temple’s properties in the name of Lord Jagannath. It cautioned that any unlawful mutation or correction in land records must be canceled, and also sought a review of Section 16(2) of the Shree Jagannath Temple Act.

Additionally, the court emphasized the need for close coordination between the Law Department and the temple administration in handling the transfer, lease, and mutation of temple lands. It also called for a thorough review of any illegal transfers or administrative irregularities, with corrective measures against lapses.

The state government’s ongoing efforts represent a significant step toward reclaiming and restoring the temple’s assets, ensuring their rightful use in the service of Lord Jagannath.