The Uttarakhand cabinet approved a revised land law restricting agricultural land sale to outsiders, requiring affidavits, curtailing district magistrates’ powers, and enhancing land management in hilly regions for better resource protection.
Uttarakhand: The Uttarakhand cabinet on Wednesday (Feb 19th) approved a revised land law with stricter provisions, including a ban on the sale of horticultural and agricultural land to outsiders, except in Udham Singh Nagar and Haridwar districts. The new law also mandates an affidavit for land purchases, restricts the powers of district magistrates, and overturns provisions implemented by the Trivendra Singh Rawat-led government in 2018.
The revised land law will be presented in the ongoing budget session, set to conclude on February 24. The decision was made in a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami before the start of the assembly session on Wednesday.
Key Provisions of the Revised Land Law
- No land sales to outsiders: Except for Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar, people from outside Uttarakhand will not be able to buy horticultural and agricultural land in 11 districts.
- Mandatory affidavit: Buyers from outside the state must submit an affidavit to prevent fraud and irregularities.
- District magistrates’ powers curbed: They will no longer have the authority to grant permission for land purchases.
- Online portal for land transactions: All purchases by outsiders will be recorded on a government-created portal.
- Land consolidation for better management: This aims to prevent encroachments and improper land use in hilly regions.
- Regular reporting by district magistrates: They must submit land purchase reports to the state revenue council and the government.
- Stricter land use rules: Land within municipal limits must adhere to the prescribed land-use regulations. Any violations will result in the land being vested in the government.
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Officials believe the revised law will stop indiscriminate land purchases by outsiders, leading to:
- Better land management in hilly areas.
- Control over unnatural land price inflation.
- Easier land acquisition for Uttarakhand residents.
- More government control over land transactions, preventing irregularities.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami hailed the decision as historic, stating that it will protect the state’s resources and identity.
“Fully respecting the long-standing demand of the people of the state and their sentiments, today the cabinet has approved a strict land law. This historic step will protect the resources of the state, cultural heritage, and the rights of the citizens, as well as play an important role in maintaining the original identity of the state,”
said Dhami.
He further emphasized the government’s commitment to the people, stating,
“Our government is fully committed to the interests of the people, and we will never break their trust. This decision makes it clear that we will make every possible effort to protect our state and culture. Certainly, this law will also prove helpful in maintaining the original identity of the state.”
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