Thu Feb 20 06:17:55 UTC 2025: **Uttarakhand Imposes Strict New Land Laws to Protect Hill Districts**
**Dehradun, Uttarakhand – February 20, 2025** – The Uttarakhand state government has passed a landmark amendment to its land laws, imposing strict new regulations on the purchase of land in 11 hill districts. The Bhoo Kanoon (land law amendment bill), approved by the state cabinet on February 19th and expected to be tabled in the ongoing budget session, aims to protect the state’s cultural heritage and resources from outside investment.
The new law effectively bans the purchase of agricultural land by non-residents in 11 districts, including the state capital, Dehradun. While residential land purchases will still be permitted, a cap will be imposed on the size of plots, limited to one per family. Exceptions are made for Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar districts.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated the government’s commitment to safeguarding citizen’s rights and preserving the state’s unique identity. He emphasized that the new legislation addresses long-standing concerns from residents.
Previously, anyone could purchase up to 12.5 acres of agricultural land in Uttarakhand, with potential for expansion in special cases. Residential land purchases had no restrictions.
The amended law eliminates the power of district magistrates to approve land purchases. A new digital portal will be launched to track all land transactions, requiring non-residents to submit affidavits detailing their reasons for purchase and restricting land use to designated purposes within municipal boundaries. Any land used contrary to regulations will be vested in the government.
The government assures that these stricter laws will not deter industrialists and investors. The new regulations are intended to prevent large-scale land acquisitions and maintain the character of Uttarakhand’s hill regions.
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