In an effort to curb the widespread acquisition of land in Uttarakhand's hilly regions by individuals from other parts of India, the state government is preparing to implement a stricter land purchase law. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami revealed last Friday that this legislation is expected to be introduced during the upcoming budget session of the assembly. The state government is gearing up to track non-residents who have breached current rules, which permit the purchase of only 250 square metres of land for personal use in non-municipal areas. Authorities plan to recover land that has been unlawfully obtained by individuals who bypassed these restrictions.

There have been accusations of numerous cases where buyers have violated the rules by purchasing land under the names of relatives or by not fulfilling the obligations they agreed to when acquiring land for commercial purposes. Instead, they have allegedly expanded their personal land holdings through these methods. As per existing regulations, non-residents are allowed to buy up to 250 square metres of land outside municipal boundaries for personal use. In 2017, the BJP government amended the law, raising the allowable land limit for commercial ventures—such as tourism, industries, healthcare, and education—from 12.5 acres to 30 acres.

An investigation is underway to identify those who purchased land under the names of relatives and those who did not fulfil their promises to develop commercial projects after acquiring large plots. In both situations, any land obtained through improper methods will be reclaimed. The government is in the process of drafting a new law aimed at tightening regulations on land purchases. This new legislation will address several concerns and prevent unauthorised transactions in areas beyond municipal boundaries. Although amendments were introduced in 2017, they did not yield the desired outcomes. Previously, land purchases required government approval, but the amendment shifted this authority to district magistrates. Consequently, individuals made commitments to establish projects in sectors like tourism, processing, healthcare, and education in order to acquire large parcels of land, yet failed to initiate any development after the purchase. Our teams will gather and compile this information.

The Chief Minister announced that a state committee is currently examining land ownership records throughout the state, emphasising that legitimate investors need not worry. Action will only be taken against individuals acquiring land for personal gain. Authentic investors will encounter no issues. We are dedicated to promoting progress while combating illegal activities. Restrictions on land purchases by non-residents were implemented between 2002 and 2007 when the Congress government set a limit of 500 square metres on residential land acquisitions in areas beyond municipal boundaries. During its tenure from 2007 to 2012, the BJP government lowered the limit for land purchases to 250 square metres and also banned individuals from other states from buying agricultural land. However, in 2017, under Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat, the BJP government removed these restrictions to encourage investment in the hilly regions, permitting the acquisition of up to 30 acres of land for commercial ventures, including tourism and agriculture.

In conclusion, the upcoming legislation marks an important step in protecting land in Uttarakhand's mountainous regions from illegal acquisitions while cultivating an environment conducive to genuine investment. By addressing previous gaps in the law and strengthening regulations, the state government aims to achieve a balance between encouraging growth and ensuring security. As this initiative unfolds, maintaining transparency and accountability will be essential to uphold the interests of true investors. This strategy not only supports sustainable development in the area but also helps to reduce illicit activities, ensuring that the landscape remains accessible and viable for future generations.