DEHRADUN: A day after Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced plans to introduce a law to curb “illegal purchase” of land in hill areas outside municipal limits and said his government would reclaim such land “illegally purchased by outsiders” to ensure that locals benefit from the state’s resources, speaking exclusively to TOI on Saturday, he explained that the move is part of a broader effort to drive Uttarakhand’s development and prosperity.
Dhami emphasised the need for “urgent action” and said, “Illegal land hoarding was hindering development in the hills and adversely affecting the economy. Outsiders were sitting on precious land, and locals didn’t benefit. We cannot sit idle and allow these wrong practices to continue.”
On potential impact on investment in state, Dhami said, “Those coming to invest in the hills are welcome, but we will not allow people from other states to create their own land banks by violating guidelines of Uttarakhand (Uttar Pradesh) Zamindari Abolition and Land Reform Act. This is an attempt to prevent illegal land purchases, which directly affect the people of the state, especially the elderly and youth.”
“We need to consider the geographical conditions of our state and the earning opportunities for those living in the hills. With all these factors in mind, our teams will prepare the report, and we will introduce a stringent law,” he said.
Dhami acknowledged that a BJP government had amended land laws in 2018, but said “outcomes had not been entirely positive. We have decided to review all facts and investigate land purchases. Our teams will look into all aspects, including district magistrates allowing larger land purchases. While changes were made to boost economic growth, people will not be allowed to use them as a cover for land hoarding in the hills.”
On feasibility of reclaiming “illegally purchased land” or taking action against violators, Dhami said, “We have to start somewhere, and are committed to bringing about positive changes. We will investigate and act against those who have violated land norms.”
“We have launched several schemes, such as homestay initiatives, solar panel projects, and programmes in agriculture and horticulture. Through these, we offer lucrative subsidies and help locals interested in starting businesses or pursuing full time agricultural work. However, when people purchase large tracts of land by violating norms, locals are deprived of these opportunities. If we can create earning opportunities within villages and towns, people will not need to migrate elsewhere in search of work,” the chief minister said.