Patna: The Bihar cabinet has approved the “Revenue and Land Reforms Department Rules, 2026,” paving the way for the state to reclaim land belonging to the historic Bettiah Raj that is currently under illegal occupation.
The decision, taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by chief minister Samrat Chaudhary, enables the government to assert ownership over an estimated 24,000 acres of Bettiah Raj land spread across Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
Focus On Encroached Land
Officials said a significant portion of the estate’s land is under unauthorised occupation, and the new rules will provide a legal framework for its recovery and management.
Land Use And Approvals
The cabinet also approved the use of a 3.159-hectare plot of Bettiah Raj land in Varanasi for the construction of a heliport by the Uttar Pradesh tourism department. Ownership of the land will remain with Bihar’s revenue department.
However, officials noted that the decision is subject to the outcome of an ongoing case before the Allahabad High Court.
Allocations For Education And Infrastructure
Several land allotments for public projects were also cleared:
- Around three acres in Sandalpur, Patna City, allotted to the National Institute of Inland Navigation
- Five acres of land in Ara for a Kendriya Vidyalaya
- 12.16 acres in Munger for the widening of the Kharagpur–Tarapur road
- Six acres in West Champaran for a new degree college
- Five acres in Nawada leased for 30 years for another Kendriya Vidyalaya
Officials said the move is aimed at unlocking public land for development while addressing long-standing issues of encroachment.
