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Uttarakhand’s New Land Law Amendment
Context:
The Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly has passed an amendment to the Uttarakhand (Uttar Pradesh Zamindari Abolition and Land Reforms Act, 1950), imposing restrictions on non-residents buying land in most districts. Here’s a breakdown of the key changes:
Ban on Agricultural Land Purchase by Non-Residents
- Non-residents cannot buy agricultural or horticultural land in 11 out of 13 districts.
- Only Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar are exempt from this restriction.
Ceiling on Land for Tourism and Industry
- The amendment reinstates the 12.5-acre limit on land purchases for tourism, industry, and education.
- In Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar, additional land can be acquired with government approval.
Residential Land Purchase Restrictions
- Non-residents can still buy up to 250 square meters of residential land without prior approval.
- Buyers must submit an affidavit confirming they haven’t bought more than 250 square meters elsewhere in Uttarakhand.
Reversal of 2017 Relaxations
- The 2017 amendment under CM Trivendra Rawat, which removed land purchase limits, is now revoked.
- The power to approve land purchases for industries is taken away from District Magistrates and put back under the state government.
Agricultural Land Use Mandate
- Those purchasing agricultural land in Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar must obtain state government approval.
- Buyers must provide an affidavit stating the land will be used only for agriculture or horticulture.
Mandatory Utilisation Within Three Years
- Any outsider buying land for commercial, industrial, cultural, or medical use must develop it within three years.
- If not used as intended, the land transfer will be void, and ownership will revert to the state government.
Land Leasing for 30 Years
- The amendment permits land leasing for up to 30 years for various purposes, including:
- Agriculture and horticulture
- Alternative energy projects
- Industrial and commercial uses
Opposition Criticism
- Congress leader Karan Mahara accused the previous BJP government of facilitating land exploitation through the 2018 amendment.
- CPIML leader Indresh Maikhuri warned that land sharks might exploit the 30-year lease provision to grab land across the state.
