Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami held a press conference in September, 2024 at the Media Centre in the Secretariat, where he announced the upcoming implementation of stringent land laws aimed at limiting the ability of outsiders to purchase land in Uttarakhand. This move came in response to increasing land prices in the state and the growing number of external buyers acquiring large areas of land. There has been significant demand from local residents, environmentalists, and political activists for a robust law to curb this trend. The issue of strict land and domicile laws had gained traction, particularly among the youth, leading to large-scale demonstrations, such as the one recently held in Gairsain.
To address these concerns, CM Dhami used the press conference to communicate the government’s stance on the aforesaid matter. Currently, individuals could buy up to two hundred and fifty square meters of land outside municipal limits without requiring permission. However, the Chief Minister pointed out that this provision was being exploited, with people buying land in the names of different family members to circumvent the regulations. Furthermore, CM Dhami highlighted instances where land purchased for specific purposes, such as tourism or industry, had not been used as intended. The government, committed towards gathering information on such properties and taking stringent action against those misusing the land, by potentially seizing these properties.
The CM also noted that the changes made to land purchase rules in 2017 have not been effective in curbing large-scale land transactions. Therefore, these provisions will be reviewed and potentially abolished.
CM Dhami assured that genuine investors looking to set up industries and create employment should not be concerned about the new laws so promised by him. The measures are intended to preserve Uttarakhand’s original form and demography while supporting economic growth through investments in various sectors like tourism, education, industry, and trade. The government is committed to encouraging investment in the state and will support all efforts to generate employment opportunities.
To implement the new land laws, a committee led by the Chief Secretary had also been formed by the Government led by CM Dhami in order to draft the necessary legislation. The CM emphasized that the BJP Government is sensitive to land and domicile issues and aims to present a comprehensive land law during the next budget session. He reassured the public that the government is dedicated to resolving the land law issue just as it has addressed other longstanding problems since March 2021. CM Dhami further assured that all decisions will be made after consulting stakeholders and considering the sentiments of all parties and experts involved. The said announcement by the Hon’ble CM gave birth to an idea that through these steps, the government seeks to balance economic development with the need to protect the state’s geographical and demographic integrity. Dhami’s administration remains focused on addressing the concerns of Uttarakhand’s residents while fostering an environment conducive to sustainable growth and investment. However, the Indian voters have chronic experiences of receiving empty promises, it becomes intrinsic to observe that whether the CM Dhami administration is actually determined to mitigate the aforesaid issue or the aforesaid press conference was nothing but a medium of delivering empty promises.
The state’s cabinet approval to the new land laws; A promise fulfilled
The Uttarakhand cabinet recently on February 19, 2025, approximately 4 months after the press conference wherein new and stringent land laws were promised to the people of Uttarakhand, approved a revised land law containing stricter provisions to regulate land sales, especially regarding horticultural and agricultural land. This new law will restrict the sale of such lands to outsiders, with the exception of the US Nagar and Haridwar districts. The new law necessitates the submission of a mandatory affidavit by individuals from outside the state who wish to purchase land. It also significantly curtails the authority of district magistrates to grant permissions for land purchases. Additionally, it revokes certain provisions that were introduced by the former state Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat in 2018.
The cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, cleared the revised land law just before the start of the current assembly session. This new legislation is expected to be presented during the ongoing budget session, which will conclude on February 24.
Under the new provisions, except for the districts of Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar, individuals from outside Uttarakhand will no longer be allowed to purchase horticultural and agricultural land in the remaining eleven districts of the state. This move aims to curb the misuse of land transactions and prevent fraudulent activities. To enhance transparency and prevent irregularities, it will be mandatory for outsiders to submit an affidavit when purchasing land in Uttarakhand. The process of land purchases will now be managed through an online portal created by the government. This portal will record all land purchases made by individuals from outside the state. District magistrates will no longer have the power to grant permission for land purchases under the new law. In addition to these measures, the government plans to consolidate land to ensure its proper utilization in hilly areas and to prevent encroachments. All provisions implemented by the previous administration in 2018 have been repealed under the new law. District magistrates will be required to submit regular reports related to land purchases to the state revenue council and the state government. Any land within municipal limits must be used according to prescribed land use regulations. If land is used in violation of these rules, it will be vested in the government.
Officials have stated that the new land law is expected to bring several benefits. It will help control the indiscriminate purchase of land by outsiders in Uttarakhand, leading to better management of land in hilly areas, which will ultimately benefit the residents of the state. Additionally, it will help control the unnatural increase in land prices, making it easier for natives to purchase land. The state government will gain more control over land transactions, reducing irregularities and violations. Chief Minister Dhami described the cabinet’s decision as historic, emphasizing that the new law will help protect the state’s resources, cultural heritage, and the rights of its citizens. He stressed that the law respects the long-standing demands and sentiments of the people of Uttarakhand. Dhami further stated that the government is fully committed to the interests of the people and will never break their trust. He assured that the new legislation would make every possible effort to protect the state’s identity and culture.
The new land law is seen as a significant step towards preserving Uttarakhand’s original identity and ensuring the sustainable use of its resources. The government believes that this law will also play a crucial role in maintaining the state’s cultural heritage. Chief Minister Dhami reaffirmed the government’s dedication to protecting the state’s interests and highlighted that the new law would be instrumental in achieving this goal. The revised land law is expected to foster better land management practices and prevent the misuse of land in Uttarakhand. Through this legislation, the government aims to address various issues related to land transactions and ensure a fair and transparent process for land purchases in the state.
The new land laws; Wearing the lens of public policy
The following are the reasonably anticipated effects that would be delivered to the state of Uttarakhand along with its people, after the implementation of the new land laws;
1. Protection of Local Interests
The newly introduced land laws in Uttarakhand aim to safeguard the rights and interests of local residents by restricting land sales to outsiders. This provision aligns with the long-standing demands of various local communities, particularly in the hill regions, where concerns about land alienation have been growing. By prioritizing local ownership, the law ensures that native residents retain access to and control over the State’s lands, preventing large-scale acquisition by wealthy non-residents or corporate entities. This move fosters economic stability for local farmers, entrepreneurs, and indigenous communities by ensuring that land remains within their reach. Additionally, it helps maintain traditional livelihoods, such as agriculture and horticulture, which are deeply tied to land ownership and sustainability.
2. Curbing Land Price Inflation
One of the key consequences of unchecked land sales to external investors is the artificial inflation of property prices. In recent years, speculative land purchases by wealthy buyers from metropolitan cities have driven up land costs, making it increasingly difficult for local residents to afford property. By limiting non-resident ownership, the new law aims to stabilize land prices, ensuring affordability for Uttarakhand’s citizens. This will particularly benefit young families, small-scale entrepreneurs, and farmers who seek to invest in land for housing or agricultural purposes. Moreover, regulated land pricing will prevent market distortions caused by real estate speculation, ensuring that land remains a functional and accessible resource rather than a mere financial asset for investment purposes.
3. Improved Land Management
Effective land use policies are critical to preventing unregulated urbanization, illegal encroachments, and the misuse of natural resources. The new laws introduce stricter regulations to ensure that land is utilized for its intended purpose, whether agricultural, residential, or commercial. By discouraging land hoarding by investors who purchase property solely for speculative gains, the policy promotes sustainable development. Additionally, the law is expected to curb illegal land conversions, where agricultural or forest lands are repurposed for commercial use without proper authorization. This will have a positive impact on ecological conservation efforts, helping preserve Uttarakhand’s fragile ecosystem, which is prone to deforestation, soil erosion, and water scarcity. The new framework could also incentivize responsible tourism and development projects that align with environmental sustainability goals.
4. Preservation of Cultural and Demographic Identity
Uttarakhand’s unique socio-cultural fabric, deeply rooted in the traditions and heritage of its indigenous communities, faces challenges due to increasing migration and demographic changes. The influx of non-resident land buyers and settlers has raised concerns about cultural dilution and identity loss. The new land laws function as a safeguard against drastic demographic shifts by preventing external influences from significantly altering the state’s traditional way of life. This is particularly important in rural areas, where preserving local customs, language, and traditional practices is essential for maintaining Uttarakhand’s cultural legacy. By ensuring that local communities retain ownership of their lands, the law strengthens their economic and social position, allowing them to continue their cultural traditions without the pressures of external displacement.
Challenges and Criticisms
Impact on Investment and Economic Growth: While the law protects local interests, it may deter genuine investors from contributing to Uttarakhand’s economic development, particularly in sectors like tourism, education, and industry.
Implementation and Enforcement Issues: Effective enforcement of the law will require robust monitoring mechanisms. The success of the online portal and the accuracy of district magistrates’ reports remain to be seen.
Legal and Constitutional Challenges: Restricting land purchases based on domicile status may be challenged in court as a violation of the right to equality and free movement under the Indian Constitution.
Key Takeaways
The revised land laws in Uttarakhand represent a significant policy initiative aimed at protecting local interests, promoting sustainable land use, and preserving the state’s cultural and demographic identity. By restricting speculative land buying, regulating land prices, and ensuring responsible land use, the laws aim to create a fair and transparent land transaction process. Despite potential challenges in implementation, enforcement, and legal considerations, the government’s commitment to consulting stakeholders and addressing their concerns is a positive sign. If effectively enforced, the new land laws have the potential to benefit the residents of Uttarakhand and support sustainable growth and investment in the state.
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