Dehradun: The Uttarakhand Cabinet recently passed a new law banning non-residents from purchasing agricultural and horticultural land in 11 out of 13 districts in the state, aiming to stop land acquisition by outsiders. The proposed bill is known as the ‘Bhoo Kanoon (Land Law Amendment Bill), likely to be tabled in the ongoing Budget Session of the Assembly. The purchase of agriculture/horticulture land will be allowed in Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar districts.
As per the new law, people outside the state can’t purchase land in several places like Dehradun, Pauri Garhwal, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Nainital, Pithoragarh, Champawat, Almora, and Bageshwar.
Persons from outside Uttarakhand can purchase agricultural and horticultural land only in two districts: Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said his government, being the guardian of the culture of the state, was committed to protecting the rights of the citizens.
“Respecting the long-standing demands and sentiments of the people of the state, today the Cabinet has approved strict land laws. This historic step will protect the resources, cultural heritage, and rights of the citizens of the state and will play a significant role in maintaining the original identity of the province,” Dhami said.
However, outsiders can buy land for residential purposes in all the districts of the state.
“Anyone wishing to buy residential land can do so, but there is a cap of 250 sq. meters per family. A family has been defined under the UPZALR (UP Zamindari Abolition and Land Reforms) Act,” said a senior official.
The government is coming up with a portal for land purchases in the state as the entire process will go totally digital. The portal will track even a single inch of land purchased by people from outside the state,” said the official.
