Ayodhya: Home is where Ram is -- that is what people now believe. According to official sources, people -- both Indians and NRIs -- are now queuing up to buy property in the holy city that has come to be known as ‘Hindu Vatican’ after the opening of the Ram temple in January 2024.

Superstar Amitabh Bachchan made headlines in January 2024 when he bought a plot of land in Ayodhya. “Three NRIs from Thailand have approached the Ayodhya Development Authority to buy five acre plots. Earlier, delegations from Mexico, South Korea and Sri Lanka had visited the city to explore the options of buying land in Ayodhya, which has undergone a massive makeover because of infrastructure upgrade in view of Ram temple and state government’s commitment to make it a global destination,” said an official.

Ayodhya Development Authority (ADA) secretary Satyendra Singh said: “A group of three individuals from Thailand came to me seeking a land parcel measuring at least 5-acre. We have forwarded their letter to officials of the housing and development board.’

As aggregating a big chunk of land within the city limits is difficult, those looking for large land parcels are being directed to Navya Ayodhya, a 1407-acre greenfield township being developed by Awas Vikas Parishad. “We are keeping a record of requests for land being made by interested companies, parties and individuals and have told them to wait till the time relevant schemes are floated. Our staff would get in touch with them and allotment would be done as per the rules and guidelines,” said PK Singh, superintending engineer, Awas Vikas Parishad, Ayodhya division.

Singh said request letters from the group from Sri Lanka and Thailand were received recently while those looking for limited land are being entertained by the development authority. “Private companies and real estate agents are also active. However, a maximum number of NRIs are showing interest in the government schemes,” added Singh.

Both the officials clarified that formal requests by any country are routed through the Union government and hence those posing as representatives of the countries have been asked to provide formal authorization letters through the embassies.

“In some cases, individuals have posed as advisors as well as ambassadors of a certain country. We have taken them around to show the sites. But formal request has to come as per the procedure,” said the officer.