Dehradun: As the demand for stricter land laws in Uttarakhand grows, some remote villages have already taken matters into their own hands by banning the sale of land to outsiders. These “self-imposed land laws” are clearly communicated through signboards at the village boundaries, stating unequivocally that no land is available for outsiders.
In Kaali Gaad village in Uttarakhand’ Almora district, villagers have begun installing signboards prohibiting outsiders from purchasing land. According to the villagers, this step has been taken to preserve their cultural identity and ancestral land as well.
Long term impact on culture and identity
This initiative arose from growing concerns about unchecked land sales, especially in the hills, where many residents fear the long-term effects on their culture and identity. Kaali Gaad in Almora has made history by implementing its own land law, a move driven by continuous efforts from social organizations and the state government’s renewed commitment. Moreover, the rampant land grabbing by outsiders, who bought land at throwaway prices to build hotels and resorts in the hills, is cause of worry for the locals too.
State government is yet to take significant action on land laws
Despite repeated calls for stronger land laws, the state government has yet to take significant action. As a result, several villages have installed boards reflecting grassroots resentment. For instance, a few months ago, Ainchauli village in the Lamgada block put up a sign at its entrance. Kaali Gaad village head, Manju Kandpal, stated that all villagers decided to protect their cultural identity and the heritage associated with their ancestral land.
Across the state, many communities fear that without more robust legislative measures, their region’s demographic and cultural landscape may be permanently altered. While the government has yet to introduce a comprehensive land protection law, these local initiatives demonstrate a determination to safeguard the future of Uttarakhand’s hill communities and preserve their heritage.
CM Dhami promised to introduce stringent land laws in upcoming budget session
In a recent move, the Uttarakhand government has intensified its crackdown on illegal land purchases in the state. Last Friday, Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami informed the media in a press conference that his government is all set to bring stringent land laws during the upcoming budget session. Additionally, the state Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal explained the government’s stance, stating that individuals who have violated rules by purchasing over 250 square meters of land per family will have their excess land vested in the state government. He urged residents to protect their ancestral land and refrain from selling it.
Legislation similar to Himachal Pradesh’s stringent land laws
The state has established the Subhash Kumar Committee and a drafting committee led by Chief Secretary Radha Raturi to finalize the land law draft. Pradeep Kukreti, the state spokesperson for Uttarakhand Rajya Andolankari Manch, stated that stakeholders in Uttarakhand are advocating for legislation similar to Himachal Pradesh’s stringent land laws to protect the state’s land and resources.
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