Dehradun, 27 Feb: The state government’s new land law has garnered significant attention due to its strict provisions, raising hopes of curbing land exploitation from the mountains to the plains. The government is now making arrangements to enforce these provisions effectively. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has claimed that the new law is in alignment with the people’s sentiments. The Uttar Pradesh Zamindari Destruction and Land Reforms Act (1950) Amendment Bill 2025, introduced during the budget session, has been passed by voice vote. This is the second major initiative by the state government after the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), drawing widespread attention. This significant achievement has marked the silver jubilee year of Uttarakhand, with anticipated far-reaching consequences.
Under the new law, the government has abolished the exemption provision related to purchase of twelve and a half acres of land for agriculture and horticulture in all districts except Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar. Outsiders can no longer buy land for agriculture and horticulture in the hilly districts. In Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar, the process has been made more stringent, requiring government permission and a certificate of requirement from the concerned department.
In addition, the land law has not been implemented in municipal and cantonment board areas. Outsiders interested in buying land for housing outside these areas can only purchase up to 250 square meters of land once, with a mandatory affidavit.
The new land law also mandates that the land within municipal areas must adhere to prescribed land use, failing which the land will vest in the state government. Affidavits for land purchases aim to prevent exploitation, and the land purchase process will be monitored through a portal. District Magistrates must regularly report the land purchase process to the Revenue Board and the government.
Commenting on the development, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that the land law respects public sentiments and includes strict provisions. This historic step aims to protect Uttarakhand’s resources, cultural heritage, and civil rights.
