Uttarakhand introduces stringent regulations for land purchase by outsiders

In response to the tragic killing of local youth Ravi Badola in a land dispute involving shooters from western Uttar Pradesh, the Uttarakhand government has introduced stringent measures regarding land purchases by outsiders. These new regulations aim to safeguard the state’s interests and ensure that land transactions are transparent and accountable. Under the revised guidelines, outsiders seeking to buy land in Uttarakhand will undergo thorough scrutiny. They must submit comprehensive details in a prescribed declaration form, which includes the purpose of land acquisition and disclosure of any criminal history linked to the transaction. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami emphasised the necessity of understanding the background and intentions of prospective buyers to prevent incidents like the recent tragedy. The move comes as a response to growing concerns over the impact of unrestricted land purchases by outsiders on local communities and the environment. Uttarakhand, known for its pristine natural beauty and fragile ecosystem, has witnessed an influx of outsiders purchasing land, often leading to disputes and conflicts with residents. Historically, regulations on land acquisition in Uttarakhand have undergone several changes. In 2003, outsiders were permitted to purchase land in hilly areas with a limit of 500 square meters. Subsequent governments reduced this limit to 250 square meters to curb large-scale land transactions and preserve the state’s natural resources. However, in 2017, under the administration of former Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat, these restrictions were relaxed in a bid to attract investments in the hilly regions. This move sparked protests across various districts as concerns grew about outside investors exploiting the state’s resources and altering its demographic and environmental landscape. In response to these protests and to address residents’ concerns, the state government formed a five-member committee. The committee studied a draft report submitted by a panel headed by a former chief secretary in 2022. The panel’s report recommended reinstating stricter regulations, including capping land purchases in urban areas and potentially imposing a complete ban on rural land sales to outsiders. Ravi Badola was tragically gunned down by unidentified assailants near Dobhal Chowk in the Raipur area of Dehradun. The murder, which shocked the local community, has since prompted a swift and thorough investigation by the police. The killing, marked by its arrogance, has stirred a wave of fear and speculation across the region. The latest arrests were confirmed by senior police officials, who stated that the two suspects were intercepted while travelling along the Haridwar-Roorkee highway. The encounter, which took place in the early hours of June 18. The police cornered the suspects after a high-speed chase that lasted several kilometres. Further, stakeholders, including government officials, environmentalists, and residents, will closely monitor the implementation of these regulations. The goal is to balance promoting sustainable development and ensuring that Uttarakhand’s unique identity and resources are preserved for future generations.