Dhami Hatao, Bhoomi Bachao’ Campaign
Garhwal Post Bureau
Nainital, 4 Nov: As part of its statewide Bhoomi Chahe Congress has intensified its campaign against the Dhami government over the alleged transfer of government land and historical assets into private hands. In Nainital today, Leader of the Opposition Yashpal Arya alleged that government properties worth nearly Rs 1 lakh crore across Uttarakhand were being prepared for transfer to private entities on long-term leases ranging between 60 and 90 years.
Raising the issue of the Patwadangar land parcel, Arya has questioned how the land could be allotted for a hotel project when its measurement had not been completed and ownership is not clearly established in official records. Arya launched the Congress party’s ‘Dhami Hatao- Bhoomi Bachao’ campaign at Patwadangar along with party workers. During the programme, Congress workers symbolically tied protective threads and pledged to safeguard government properties and public assets.
Arya claimed that the official records relating to the Patwadangar land show varying details regarding its ownership and extent over a period of time. He also claimed that at different stages the land has been described as belonging to the Biotechnology University, the Agriculture and Horticulture Department, and the Biotechnology Council. He alleged that despite the absence of a clear demarcation and determination of ownership, the process of allotting the land for a hotel project has been allowed by Dhami Government to move forward.
The Leader of the Opposition claimed that 13.64 acres of land at Patwadangar is proposed to be leased for 90 years at a reserve price of Rs 37.80 crores and an annual rent of Rs 5 per square metre, even though its market value was estimated to be around Rs 82 crores. He also raised objections to the transfer of other valuable public properties in Nainital district, including the historic Inspection House at Jeolikote, to private hands.
Arya alleged that while the government claims that it does not have sufficient land available for housing the poor and for compensatory afforestation linked to development projects, it was showing unusual urgency in allotting government land to private companies. He demanded that all the related tenders be cancelled with immediate effect and that lands transferred to the Uttarakhand Infrastructure and Industrial Development Board (UIIDB) be returned to their respective departments.
He further demanded cancellation of the lease of the George Everest Estate and called for a CBI inquiry into the entire matter under the supervision of the High Court. Arya asserted that the Congress would continue its agitation to protect government land and public assets in the state and would persist with its campaign until the decisions relating to the transfer of such properties were reviewed.
