A major land scam has been uncovered in Uttarakhand, with influential individuals misusing land intended for agriculture to build commercial properties like hotels and resorts. The state government is taking decisive steps to address the illegal land conversions, including the recent seizure of 210 Nali of land in Nainital, signaling a stricter enforcement of land laws.
By PC Bureau
New Delhi
A massive land scam has surfaced in Uttarakhand, where land sharks initially purchased land for agricultural use but later repurposed it for hotels, resorts, and other commercial ventures. In Kumaon alone, 134 such cases have been uncovered, prompting the administration to take action against unauthorized structures raised by influential individuals from Mumbai, Delhi, and beyond.
Two days ago, the Uttarakhand government seized 210 Nali (50,400 square yards) of land in Nainital district, marking a significant step toward enforcing stricter land laws. This move aligns with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s broader initiative to reclaim misused or idle land.
Additionally, in a crackdown on land purchased by “outsiders,” a case was filed against Videocon Industries Ltd. for failing to use land acquired for industrial purposes in Kashipur, Udham Singh Nagar. This high-profile case is part of a larger investigation into land acquisitions exceeding the 250 sqm limit for non-residents. Notices have been issued to 40 other individuals for similar violations.
On October 11, a report from the regional revenue sub-inspector and revenue inspector highlighted Videocon’s 0.607-hectare (1.49-acre) plot in Kudaaiwala village. Purchased in 2006 for an appliance manufacturing facility, construction has not progressed beyond a guardroom. The Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) issued a notice, demanding a response within 15 days or face legal consequences.
The investigation spans several tehsils, uncovering 41 similar cases in regions such as Rudrapur (14 cases), Kichha (9), Bazpur (7), and more. These properties were primarily bought under the pretext of agricultural or industrial development. Reports reveal that outsiders, with special permissions, acquired land for industrial or agricultural use but repurposed it for commercial ventures. Nainital tehsil stands out for the highest number of violations, with bureaucrats and the land mafia implicated in the illegal activities.
In Almora, 23 cases of land law violations have been found, with 10 still under judicial review. In one high-profile instance, Mumbai-based businessman Bharat Visinji’s 108 bighas of land were seized, and further investigation is underway concerning 261 bighas. Film actor Manoj Bajpayee’s 15 bighas in Lamgara’s Kapkot village are also under scrutiny.
Land violations extend to other districts, such as Bageshwar, where investigations are underway for four properties, and Champawat, where multiple family members have violated regulations. However, Pithoragarh remains largely unaffected, with only two cases of land exceeding legal limits.
Analysis:
- Widespread Land Grabbing: The issue is systemic, particularly in Uttarakhand’s tourism-centric regions.
- Violation of Land Laws: Many individuals have violated land use laws by purchasing land for agriculture and using it for commercial purposes.
- Government Action: The state government is actively pursuing legal action and reclaiming land.
- Involvement of Influential Figures: Bureaucrats, businesspeople, and celebrities are among those implicated in the violations.
- Impact on Local Communities: These practices harm local communities, depriving them of agricultural land and resources.
