Odisha lifts ban on part plot sales, eases land transactions for owners and buyers

Bhubaneswar, June 11: In a major relief to thousands of landowners and prospective buyers, the Odisha government has officially lifted all restrictions on the sale of part plots—subdivided land parcels smaller than a full plot—bringing long-awaited clarity and ease to land transactions.

For years, families hoping to sell part of their land for essential needs like marriage expenses or children’s education were left helpless due to an indefinite freeze on such sales. This move, announced under the Odisha Development Authorities (Planning & Building Standard) Second Amendment Rules, 2025, aims to address those hardships while streamlining land regulation.

As per the new rules, individuals can now legally sell land up to 500 square meters (approximately 5,200 sq ft) without prior approval. However, if the land is sold through plotting beyond this limit, a layout must be submitted showing roads, drainage, parking, and open spaces. Roads must be at least 6 meters wide for smaller areas and 9 meters for larger ones.

Layouts must be approved by the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) or the respective Block Development Officer (BDO) in rural areas. Officials said the earlier ban had caused significant public inconvenience and loss of state revenue. This reform aims to balance development with citizen needs.