Uttarakhand Tightens Land Laws for Outsiders

The Uttarakhand Cabinet, on February 19, 2025, approved the Bhoo Kanoon (Land Law Amendment Bill) to regulate the purchase and sale of agricultural, horticultural, and residential land by non-residents. The law aims to safeguard the state’s cultural heritage, natural resources, and citizens’ rights while maintaining Uttarakhand’s original identity. It introduces a blanket ban on agricultural land purchases in 11 hill districts and imposes restrictions on land transactions for residential purposes. The bill is expected to be tabled in the ongoing Budget session, concluding on February 24, 2025.

Key Highlights of the Amended Land Law

1. Protection of Citizens’ Rights

• The amendment responds to long-standing public demands for stricter land laws.
• Ensures protection of cultural heritage, resources, and citizens’ rights.
• Strengthens Uttarakhand’s identity by limiting external influence on land ownership.

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2. Major Changes in Land Purchase Rules

• Blanket ban on agricultural land purchases by outsiders in 11 districts.
• Cap on the size of plots for residential use, applicable to one family only.
• Land purchases will be restricted to designated purposes within municipal boundaries.
• District magistrates will no longer have authority to approve land purchases.

3. District-Wise Implementation

• Agricultural land purchase ban applies to:
• Dehradun, Pauri Garhwal, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Nainital, Pithoragarh, Champawat, Almora, and Bageshwar.
• Land purchase still allowed in:
• Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar districts.

4. Digital Land Transaction System

• A dedicated portal will be launched for tracking all land purchases.
• The entire land purchase process will be digitized, ensuring transparency.
• Land buyers from outside the state must file an affidavit citing the purpose before purchasing land.

5. Land Misuse Provisions

• If land is used against the stated purpose, it will be vested in the government.
• Strict monitoring will prevent misuse of land for unauthorized activities.

6. Industrial and Investment Considerations

• The government ensures the new land law does not deter industrialists and investors.
• Special provisions may be introduced to support economic development.