DEHRADUN: The enforcement of Uttarakhand’s new land law has classified many residents as ‘outsiders’ due to the addresses of other states mentioned on their Aadhaar cards.
“This situation has especially impacted people who relocated for employment opportunities, putting them at risk of losing their ancestral lands,” said a source close to the district administration. “The district administration has issued orders to consider these people as non-residents, leading to government claims over their ancestral properties,” said a local official.
According to sources within the revenue department, the stringent regulations of the new land law are catching many residents off guard. This has raised concerns about the implications for families who have lived in the state for generations.
After the new land law was enforced, CM Pushkar Singh Dhami instructed all district magistrates to reclaim any land acquired in violation of the law. Dehradun has reported 282 cases of land law violations so far.
Following the CM’s directives, Dehradun District Magistrate Savin Bansal has ordered tehsildars and SDMs to investigate the violations. Preliminary findings indicate that over 200 hectares of land have been illegally purchased by outsiders, prompting the district administration to take possession of the properties.
“All landowners have been issued notices, providing them a final opportunity to present their case. If they fail to prove their ownership, the government will retain control of the disputed land,” Bansal said.
“We have directed all SDMs to prepare reports on violations in land purchases. A list of individuals who have concealed facts while acquiring residential or agricultural land exceeding 250 square metres in Dehradun and its vicinity is being compiled,” he said.
Investigations have revealed that 393 people purchased land in violation of regulations, with actions taken in around 300 cases. Notices have been issued for over 200 hectares, urging owners to respond.
Many Uttarakhand residents working outside the state for several years have registered local addresses on their Aadhaar cards. When the administration traced these landowners, discrepancies arose based on the addresses listed.
Many residents now face challenges in proving their claims as government prepares to take over the contested land, officials said.
Tehsildars, SDMs told to investigate violations
Following the CM’s directives, Dehradun District Magistrate Savin Bansal has ordered tehsildars and SDMs to investigate the violations. Preliminary findings indicate that over 200 hectares of land have been illegally purchased by outsiders, prompting the district administration to take possession of the properties.