The Uttarakhand Cabinet has approved a draft law restricting non-residents from purchasing agricultural and horticultural land in 11 of the state’s 13 districts. The move, aimed at protecting local resources and cultural identity, will be introduced in the ongoing Budget Session of the Assembly.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami described it as a “historic step,” stating that the law respects public sentiment and safeguards the state’s natural and cultural heritage. Under the proposed legislation, outsiders—except in Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar—will not be allowed to buy agricultural land. Additionally, district magistrates will no longer have the authority to approve such transactions.
A dedicated online portal will be set up to record all land transactions involving non-residents, ensuring transparency. To prevent fraud and irregularities, outsiders seeking to purchase land will be required to submit a legal affidavit.
If passed, this law will overturn Trivendra Singh Rawat’s 2017 decision that lifted restrictions on land purchases. The Congress has criticized the BJP for its shifting stance on land laws and has called for even stricter regulations, similar to those in Himachal Pradesh, where non-agriculturists cannot freely purchase farmland.