Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government will return land acquired for Vedanta Limited’s proposed world-class university in Puri to the original landowners, according to Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari.
Minister Pujari noted that Vedanta Ltd changed the name of the proposed institution multiple times during the land acquisition process. Initially, it was called Sterlite Foundation, later renamed Vedanta Foundation, and finally, Anil Agarwal Foundation.
The land acquisition initially approved by the former State Government included 22 villages and patches of government land, totaling 4,178.84 acres of privately-owned land, of which 3,342.53 acres were handed over to the company. Additionally, Vedanta had applied for 692.02 acres of government land for lease; the State Government approved 509.27 acres, and possession of 494.98 acres was granted, with lease deeds signed for 57.21 acres.
In 2006, Vedanta Ltd signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the State Government to establish a university in Puri.
However, objections from displaced residents led to legal battles. Nine displaced households petitioned the Orissa High Court, questioning both the frequent name changes and Vedanta’s credibility in creating a world-class institution. Concerns were also raised regarding the fairness of the acquisition process.
In 2009, the Orissa High Court found irregularities in the land acquisition process and nullified the project’s land acquisitions. In 2023, the High Court directed the State Government to return the land to all owners, regardless of whether they had filed cases.
When Vedanta Limited appealed to the Supreme Court, the apex court upheld the High Court’s decision.
Minister Pujari confirmed that the government land leased to the Anil Agarwal Foundation will also be reclaimed.
Pujari said that as for privately-owned land, the original owners will return any compensation received before the land is restored to them. Necessary changes in land records will be undertaken by the Revenue Department, he added.
