The Tamil Nadu government has initiated a major effort to identify and reclaim nearly 13 lakh acres of temple-linked inam land that is believed to be under encroachment across different parts of the state. According to HR&CE Minister S. Ramesh, officials have been directed to compile district-wise records, survey details, and the current legal status of these properties as part of a large-scale recovery initiative. The move is aimed at safeguarding temple assets and ensuring that properties originally granted for religious and charitable purposes remain protected.
The department is also accelerating action against unauthorized occupation of temple-owned properties and pursuing the recovery of pending lease and rental dues linked to temple assets. Authorities estimate that outstanding dues from leased temple properties and commercial establishments run into thousands of crores of rupees. The government says the ongoing exercise will improve transparency in temple administration while helping preserve valuable religious and heritage resources for future generations.
Read more news at Dinamalar (தினமலர்) Newspaper