LUCKNOW / AYODHYA: The Uttar Pradesh cabinet on Tuesday approved the free transfer of 26 hectares (about 65 acres) of state government land in Milkipur tehsil, Ayodhya, to the Union ministry of home affairs for the establishment of a regional hub of the National Security Guard (NSG), officials said.
Land allocation and conditions
The parcel is located in Pure Lalkhan village and carries a stated market value of ₹16.90 crore, the state government said. Under the cabinet decision, the land will be handed over to the home ministry at no cost, on the express condition that it be used solely for the NSG facility and not diverted for any other purpose.
The state has set a utilisation timeline: the land must be put to the intended use within three years. If the site is not developed within that period, or if the requirement for the facility ends in future, the property will automatically revert to the Uttar Pradesh Revenue Department for disposal, the cabinet order states.
"Ayodhya had emerged as a major cultural, religious and strategic centre at national and international levels following Ram Temple’s construction," Finance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Khanna said.
Why the hub — security sensitivity and visitor inflow
The state government framed the transfer as a response to heightened security demands in and around Ayodhya. Since the construction and consecration of the Ram Temple, the city has seen sustained increases in numbers of devotees, tourists and other visitors, the cabinet noted. The NSG regional hub is intended to add an additional security layer for highly sensitive and strategic installations in Uttar Pradesh and adjoining regions, strengthening the state's internal security preparedness.
Officials said the decision included a relaxation of the usual rules governing disposal or allotment of government land, citing national security considerations and Ayodhya's enhanced security profile.
Key facts at a glance
- Location: Pure Lalkhan village, Milkipur tehsil, Ayodhya
- Area: 26 hectares (approx. 65 acres)
- Market value: ₹16.90 crore
- Transfer: Free transfer to Ministry of Home Affairs
- Use condition: Only for NSG regional hub; non-divertible
- Utilisation deadline: 3 years; reversion clause on non-use
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Land area | 26 hectares (≈65 acres) |
| Location | Pure Lalkhan village, Milkipur tehsil, Ayodhya |
| Valuation | ₹16.90 crore (stated market value) |
| Transfer terms | Free to Union home ministry; restricted to NSG use; 3-year utilisation period |
Administrative and legal implications
The cabinet's order also relaxed established provisions that normally govern disposal or allotment of government land. Such exceptions are permitted when matters of national security are invoked, the state said. The reversion clause offers the Revenue Department a clear route to regain control of the land if the central ministry does not operationalise the facility within the stipulated time.
State officials framed the move as part of broader coordination between the state and the Centre on protecting high-density public sites. The NSG — a federal commando force tasked with counter-terrorism and specific hostage-rescue operations — would, through a regional presence, be expected to reduce response times to incidents in the region and provide specialised support to other security agencies operating in Uttar Pradesh.
Local impact and next steps
While the cabinet note highlights security benefits, the transfer also removes a sizable tract of barren government land from the state disposal list for at least the three-year period. Local administration will be required to facilitate land records and clearances for the transfer. Any future infrastructure or construction by the NSG will be subject to central planning and approvals.
The state did not provide a timeline for construction or operationalisation beyond the three-year utilisation requirement. The home ministry will be responsible for planning and executing the NSG hub on the site following completion of the formal transfer process.
The decision marks another instance of state-centre cooperation in managing the security architecture around sites deemed nationally significant. With visitor numbers to Ayodhya remaining high, both the state and the Centre have signalled intent to expand specialised security infrastructure in the region.
Abhishek Tripathi is the UP correspondent based in Lucknow.
