Endowments Commissioner Arjuna Rao on Friday said one lakh acres of temple land is under encroachment in the Andhra Pradesh state.

After holding a review meeting with the temple EOs of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, and Visakhapatnam districts, he spoke to the media and said the endowments and revenue officials will conduct a joint survey from December 21 to identify all the temple lands and proper measures will be taken to protect nearly four lakh acres of land belonging to various temples.

The endowments and revenue officials will conduct a joint survey from December 21 to identify all the temple lands.

Referring to Simhachalam temple land issue, he said over 10,000 people constructed houses in 459 acres of Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Vari Devasthanam.

To regularise these lands, 1,000 acres of alternative land should be provided to Simhachalam Devasthanam. With regard to 1,500 acres of Simhachalam land in the possession of farmers, a decision will be taken soon, he said. 

Arjuna Rao assured that the pending salaries of temple staff will be paid in phases as the endowments revenue declined due to COVID.

Image Source: The Indian Express