Pushkar Singh Dhami promises stricter land laws in Uttarakhand

Dhami said that as per the existing laws in Uttarakhand, any person can buy 250 square metres of land outside the municipal body area without permission. “But it has come to our notice that the provisions are being violated by people who purchase land under different names from the same family,” he said.

The Chief Minister also said information is being gathered on persons who have purchased land with permission for business activities like tourism, industry and job creation, but are using it for other purposes.

He said that strict action will also be taken against such people and that their lands will also be vested in the state government.

Dhami also said that the easing of land purchase restrictions under the Trivendra Singh Rawat-led BJP government in 2017 have not had positive results. He said such provisions will be reviewed and, if necessary, abolished.

In Uttarakhand, there is a growing demand for stricter land laws to arrest the large-scale sale of land to people from other states.

Earlier this year the state government issued a statement saying that on the instructions of the Chief Minister, it has been decided in the interest of the state and public interest that till the submission of the report of the Land Law Committee or till further orders, the District Magistrates will not allow persons outside the state of Uttarakhand to purchase land for agriculture and horticulture.

According to the amendment made in the year 2004 by Congress’ ND Tiwari government in Section 154 of the Uttar Pradesh Zamindari and Land System Act 1950, such persons who are not holders of immovable property in the state of Uttarakhand before September 12, 2003, were allowed to purchase land for agriculture and horticulture from the District Officer.

The government, however, set a 500 square metre cap through amendments, aiming to preserve local identity and attract investments. Subsequently, under BC Khanduri’s BJP-led government, the limit decreased to 250 square metres.

In 2017, CM Trivendra Rawat lifted these restrictions entirely, emphasising on economic growth but sparking local discontent. This led to demands for reinstating stringent regulations amid concerns about cultural preservation, prompting BJP’s Pushkar Singh Dhami, after becoming CM in 2021, to form a high-level panel to review the state’s land laws.

At present, a drafting committee has been constituted by the state government in connection with the preparation of new land laws for the state of Uttarakhand, and a detailed study of the report submitted by the panel. The Chief Minister directed that the new draft should be prepared expeditiously by the committee based on suggestions from experts and people associated with various fields. He said that all decisions are being taken by the state government in the interest of the state.