DEHRADUN: Following protests in many districts, Uttarakhand is likely to make key amendments in its land law, making it tougher for people from other states to buy land in the state.
In 2003, ND Tiwari, the then CM, introduced an amendment that allowed “outsiders” to purchase land in hill areas, up to a limit of 500 sqm. The limit was reduced to 250 sqm by BJP government led by BC Khanduri to prevent sale and purchase of large plots in hill districts. In 2017, however, former CM Trivendra Rawat lifted all such restrictions to attract investments in hilly areas.
In municipal areas, though, there are no such restrictions for people of other states. But local residents are now demanding that power to buy land even in municipal areas be curtailed to 250 sqm and a complete ban be imposed on sale of land in rural areas.
The state government has formed a five-member committee for a detailed study of a draft report submitted by a panel headed by ex-chief secretary Subhash Kumar in 2022, which had made 23 recommendations.
Sources said the state, on the basis of the recommendations, may limit the sale and purchase of land in the hills to 12.5 acres again. Besides, for people belonging to other states, provisions may be made tougher to purchase land in areas within and outside the municipal limits.
CM Pushkar Singh Dhami said on Tuesday, “A decision, which is in the favour of people of Uttarakhand, would be taken soon.”
