Bhubaneswar, Sept. 8 (UDN): The Odisha government has notified a new set of rules for managing land belonging to the Shree Jagannath Temple, replacing the uniform land policies of 2003 and 2019 with the Shree Jagannath Temple Land Management Rules, 2026.
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The new framework aims to modernise temple land administration through online processing, GIS-based mapping and a structured approval system designed to improve transparency, streamline decision-making and curb encroachment.
Digital platform for all land-related matters
Under the new rules, applications and other land-related processes will be handled through an online portal, replacing much of the manual system.
A District-Level Screening Committee (DLSC) headed by the District Collector will oversee scrutiny of cases, while the Shree Jagannath Mahaprabhu Bije Samiti (SJMBS) will conduct field verification. The Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee (SJTMC) will issue the required No Objection Certificate (NOC) after the verification process is completed.
For determining the value of temple land, authorities will adopt whichever is higher between the Benchmark Market Value (BMV) and the Annual Land Settlement Value Schedule (ALSS).
Separate provisions for different land categories
The rules introduce distinct provisions for land held by servitors, mutts and commercial establishments, recognising the different nature of these holdings.
For commercial land measuring up to 0.250 decimal, the valuation has been fixed at four times the applicable land value, according to the new guidelines.
Concessions for long-standing mutts
The government has also included a special provision for mutts that have functioned as places of worship for at least 30 years, offering concessions under the revised framework.
The provision is intended to provide greater clarity in dealing with long-established religious institutions while maintaining a uniform process for temple land administration.
GIS mapping and public dashboard
A major feature of the 2026 rules is the introduction of GIS-based digital mapping for all Shree Jagannath Temple land.
The mapped records will be integrated with Bhulekh and Bhu Naksha, enabling temple land details to be linked with Odisha’s existing land information systems.
The government will also launch a public dashboard to provide citizens with access to information on temple land holdings and related records.
Push to curb encroachment
The new land management framework is expected to strengthen monitoring of temple properties by creating accurate digital records and improving oversight of land transactions.
By bringing verification, valuation and approvals onto a unified digital platform, the government aims to enhance transparency, reduce procedural delays and help protect Shree Jagannath Temple land from encroachment.