Uttarakhand Land Law Amendment and Its Implications

Published On:

The Uttarakhand government has introduced amendments to its land laws to regulate the purchase of agricultural and horticultural land by non-residents. This decision is aimed at protecting local interests, preventing large-scale land acquisitions by outsiders, and ensuring land is used for its intended purpose. The new amendment bans non-residents from purchasing such land in 11 districts, except Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar.

Key Provisions of the Amendment

The amendment enforces strict restrictions on land ownership in Uttarakhand for non-residents. It reintroduces a 12.5-acre cap on land purchases meant for tourism, industry, and education. Any land acquired for commercial, industrial, medical, or cultural purposes must be utilized within three years; otherwise, ownership will revert to the government. To ensure compliance, a dedicated online monitoring system has been introduced to track transactions involving non-residents. Additionally, an affidavit requirement has been mandated, stating that buyers should not own more than 250 square meters of residential land elsewhere in the state.

Leasing and State Approval Provisions

The amendment allows leasing of agricultural and horticultural land for up to 30 years, enabling economic activities while maintaining ownership with locals. For large-scale acquisitions exceeding 12.5 acres in Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar, state government approval is required to maintain oversight on land usage.

Background and Previous Amendments

Land laws in Uttarakhand have evolved from the UP Zamindari Abolition Act (1950), which the state inherited after its formation in 2000. The first major restriction on non-residents’ land purchases was introduced in 2003 to protect local interests. In 2017, an amendment removed the 12.5-acre cap on land purchases for tourism, industry, and education, aiming to boost investment. However, concerns over unchecked land acquisitions have led to the reinstatement of these restrictions.

Comparison with Other States

Similar land laws exist in Himachal Pradesh, where non-agriculturists are prohibited from buying agricultural land unless explicitly permitted for tourism, industry, or horticulture by the government. Such restrictions are designed to prevent speculative land purchases while allowing controlled economic development.