Power to act for protection and development of Char Dham Devasthanams

(1) For the purpose of protection and development of the Char Dham Devasthanams, the Board shall recommend to the State Government to notify such area, in the vicinity of Devasthanams as Devasthanam areas. In areas thus notified, the Board shall be empowered to regulate proper maintenance of site and building and levy taxes with approval of State Government. (2) Subject to the directions given by the State Government, the Board may acquire any building or land through mutual negotiations, purchase, donation, transfer, lease, rent or otherwise. In addition it may also acquire any land, buildings in accordance with the provisions of law for the time being in force. (3) Where the CEO has the reason to believe that- (a) Any vicinity property belonging to Temples related to Char Dham Devasthanams covered under the Act is in danger of being wasted, damaged or improperly alienated by any trustee or any other person, or (b) The trustee or such persons threatens or intends to remove or dispose of the property, The CEO may make such order for the purpose of staying and preventing the wastage, damage, alienation, sale, removal or dispensation of such property as he may deems fit.