Uttarakhand Government Imposes Restrictions on Land Purchase by Outsiders

In a bid to address concerns raised by social organizations and ensure judicious land use, the Uttarakhand government, led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, has implemented immediate restrictions on the purchase of land by “outsiders” for agricultural and horticultural purposes. The directive, issued to all District Magistrates in the state, is set to remain in effect until the completion of a comprehensive examination by a five-member drafting committee on the existing ‘bhoo kanoon’ (land laws) and the submission of its report to the government.

The decision comes in response to protests in Dehradun, the state capital, organized by the ‘Mool-Niwas Bhoo-Kanoon Samvanya Sangharsh Samiti,’ advocating for measures to curb large-scale land sales to non-residents of Uttarakhand. The protestors not only sought restrictions on land purchases but also proposed an increase in the minimum residency requirement for obtaining a domicile certificate.

Chief Minister Dhami emphasized the importance of public interest in the decision, stating, “In the public interest, it has been decided that until the committee on Land Law submits its report, District Magistrates will not allow persons from outside Uttarakhand to purchase land for the purpose of agriculture and horticulture here.”

The government’s initiative includes stringent background checks on potential land buyers, assessing the stated purpose for land acquisition. Chief Minister Dhami further highlighted the ongoing efforts to expedite the drafting committee’s report by seeking public input and expert opinions across various domains.

Uttarakhand, carved out of Uttar Pradesh in 2000, has a history of regulations regarding land purchases by non-residents. The current move reflects a dynamic approach to balancing developmental goals with the need to preserve local interests. The committee, formed in 2021, has already submitted a report with 23 recommendations, aiming to strike a balance between fostering progress and safeguarding the state’s unique socio-economic and environmental fabric.

The unfolding developments indicate the state’s commitment to responsible land governance, considering both immediate concerns and long-term sustainability. As the committee’s examination progresses, Uttarakhand remains at the forefront of adaptive governance, navigating the delicate balance between development and conservation.