Dehradun, 5 February : District Magistrate (DM) Savin Bansal has launched a strict crackdown on land purchases violating legal provisions. Authorities have identified nearly 750 bighas of land acquired by outsiders for purposes such as hotels, resorts, agriculture, and horticulture with government approval, but no activity has been undertaken as per the stated purpose. DM Bansal has set a deadline of February 28 to reclaim such land for the government. So far, over 300 bighas have already been repossessed by the state.

In Dehradun district, 281 cases have surfaced where individuals purchased land exceeding 250 square meters with government approval but failed to use it as per the stated purpose. Out of 391 such transactions in the district, violations have been found in 281 cases, covering around 189 hectares (approximately 750 bighas).

DM Savin Bansal has been taking a tough stance on these violations since the beginning. In January, he directed all sub-divisional magistrates (SDMs) to take strict action within a month and provide weekly updates. He made it clear that no excuses related to workload or additional duties would be accepted. As a result, the administration has already reclaimed 300 bighas of land for the government.

DM Bansal emphasized that the process is being fast-tracked, and all encroached land will be repossessed by February 28. He instructed SDMs to expedite their work accordingly. A high-level review meeting was attended by Additional District Magistrate (Administration) Jaibharat Singh, SDM Kalsi Gauri Prabhat, SDM Headquarters Kumkum Joshi, SDM Vikasnagar Vinod Kumar, SDM Chakrata Yogesh Mehra, SDM Doiwala Aparna Dhoundiyal, and SDM Rishikesh Smriti Parmar.

Land Purchase Rules for Non-Residents

According to Uttarakhand’s land laws, a non-resident can buy up to 250 square meters of land in their lifetime in the state. Any purchase beyond this limit requires government approval, specifying the intended purpose, and the buyer must commence activities within two years. However, widespread violations of these conditions have been reported, forcing the state government to initiate legal action.

Crackdown Sparks Panic Among Landowners

DM Bansal’s strict measures have triggered panic among influential landowners. Some are exploring ways to sell off their land, while others are allegedly trying to manipulate land records.

No Escape from Legal Notices

Attempts to evade administrative notices are proving futile. The DM has already instructed officials to use alternative methods, such as newspaper announcements, to serve notices to untraceable individuals.