The Uttarakhand cabinet, led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, has approved a revised land law with stricter provisions, barring outsiders from purchasing horticultural and agricultural land in the state, except for Udham Singh Nagar and Haridwar districts.
The decision, taken before the assembly session, revokes the provisions introduced by former Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat in 2018. The revised land law will be presented in the ongoing budget session, which is set to conclude on February 24.
Key provisions of the revised land law
- Ban on farmland sales to outsiders: Except for Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar, no individual from outside Uttarakhand will be allowed to purchase horticultural or agricultural land in the remaining 11 districts.
- Mandatory affidavit for land purchases: Non-residents wishing to buy land in Uttarakhand must submit a mandatory affidavit to prevent fraud and irregularities.
- Restricted powers of district magistrates: Unlike earlier provisions, district magistrates (DMs) will no longer have the authority to permit land purchases. Instead, all transactions will be processed through a government-created online portal for transparency.
- Land consolidation in hilly areas: The state government will focus on consolidating land in hilly regions to curb encroachments and ensure proper land utilisation. A dedicated portal will record all land purchases made by outsiders.
- Stricter land use regulations:
- Land within municipal limits can only be used as per prescribed land-use regulations.
- If land is used against these regulations, the government will reclaim it.
- District magistrates must regularly submit reports on land transactions to the State Revenue Council and the government.
Impact of the new law
- Prevents indiscriminate land acquisition by outsiders.
- Ensures better land management in hilly areas.
- Helps control unnatural spikes in land prices.
- Makes it easier for Uttarakhand residents to buy land.
- Grants the state government more control over land transactions, reducing irregularities.
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Pushkar Singh Dhami calls decision 'historic'
Terming the revised land law a landmark decision, CM Pushkar Singh Dhami said it aligns with the long-standing demands of Uttarakhand’s people.
"By approving this strict land law, we are safeguarding our state's resources, cultural heritage, and citizens' rights. This historic step will help maintain Uttarakhand's original identity," said Dhami.
He further assured that the state government remains committed to protecting the interests of Uttarakhand’s residents and preventing the misuse of land resources. This revised land law marks a significant shift in Uttarakhand's land policies, ensuring better regulation and prioritizing local interests over unrestricted land sales.
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