In a decisive move to safeguard its cultural heritage and natural resources, the Uttarakhand government has introduced a groundbreaking law restricting non-residents from purchasing agricultural and horticultural land in 11 of its 13 districts. This legislation, approved by the state cabinet on February 20, 2025, and subsequently tabled in the ongoing Budget Session of the Assembly, marks a significant shift in land acquisition policies within the state.

Uttarakhand (Uttar Pradesh Zamindari Abolition and Land Reforms Act, 1950) (Amendment) Bill, 2025

The newly proposed law, known as the Uttarakhand (Uttar Pradesh Zamindari Abolition and Land Reforms Act, 1950) (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aims to prevent large-scale land acquisition by individuals from outside the state, thereby preserving local ownership and the state’s cultural identity. The restrictions apply to the districts of Dehradun, Pauri Garhwal, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Nainital, Pithoragarh, Champawat, Almora, and Bageshwar. Notably, the districts of Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar are exempt from these restrictions.

Under this legislation, non-residents are prohibited from purchasing agricultural and horticultural land in the specified districts. Additionally, the law imposes a cap on residential land purchases, limiting non-residents to acquiring no more than 250 square meters of land for residential purposes per family outside municipal areas. This measure is designed to prevent the hoarding of land and ensure that property remains accessible to local residents.

Historical Context and Reversal of Previous Amendments

This legislative action reverses the amendments made in 2017 under the administration of former Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat. The 2017 amendments had increased the permissible land purchase limit in hilly areas from 12.5 acres to 30 acres for projects related to tourism, energy, industry, agriculture, and horticulture. Furthermore, these amendments had delegated the authority to approve land purchases from the state government to district magistrates, facilitating a more decentralized process.

The current amendment seeks to reinstate the original 12.5-acre cap on land purchases and centralize the approval process, thereby enhancing oversight and ensuring that land transactions align with the state’s objectives of cultural preservation and resource protection.

Implementation Mechanisms and Enforcement

To enforce the new regulations, the Uttarakhand government plans to introduce a dedicated digital portal to monitor land transactions involving non-residents. Prospective buyers from outside the state will be required to submit an affidavit declaring that neither they nor their family members have previously purchased more than 250 square meters of residential land in Uttarakhand. This affidavit aims to prevent fraudulent activities and ensure compliance with the new land acquisition limits.

The approval authority for land purchases will revert to the state administration, removing the discretionary powers previously held by district magistrates. District officials will be mandated to regularly report land transactions to the Revenue Council and the state government, ensuring transparency and facilitating effective monitoring of land use.

Rationale Behind the Legislation

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has emphasized that the primary objective of this legislation is to protect Uttarakhand’s resources, cultural heritage, and the rights of its citizens. By restricting non-resident land purchases, the government aims to prevent instances where individuals from other states acquire large tracts of land under the guise of development projects but fail to fulfill their commitments, leading to resource hoarding and potential cultural erosion.

This move also responds to longstanding public demands for stricter land laws to preserve the state’s unique identity and ensure that economic benefits derived from land use accrue primarily to local communities.

Opposition and Criticisms

While the legislation has been lauded by many within the state, it has also faced criticism from opposition parties. Leader of the Opposition, Yashpal Arya, has called for greater transparency regarding past land transactions, urging the government to release a comprehensive report detailing the extent of land sold to non-residents since the 2017 amendments. Arya contends that understanding the impact of previous policies is essential to assess the necessity and potential effectiveness of the new restrictions.

Implications for Future Development and Investment

The enactment of this law signifies Uttarakhand’s commitment to preserving its cultural and natural heritage. However, it also raises questions about the state’s approach to development and external investment. By imposing stricter land acquisition regulations, the government aims to ensure that development projects are undertaken responsibly and in a manner that benefits local communities. Potential investors and developers will need to navigate these regulations carefully, aligning their projects with the state’s objectives and securing necessary approvals through the centralized process.

End Note

Uttarakhand’s decision to restrict non-resident land purchases represents a pivotal moment in the state’s efforts to balance development with cultural preservation. By reinstating previous land caps and centralizing the approval process, the government seeks to protect its resources and heritage while addressing public concerns about unchecked external land acquisitions. As the legislation moves through the Assembly, its implementation will be closely watched by stakeholders within and outside the state, setting a precedent for how regional governments can assert control over land use to serve the interests of their citizens.