PIONEER NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The Dehradun district administration has transferred approximately 200 hectares of land to the State government after identifying violations of the Zamindari Abolition and Land Reforms Act. Authorities took action under sections 154(4) (3)(a), 154(4) (3) (b), 166 and 167 of the Act against individuals who acquired land without proper permissions or failed to use it as per regulations, the Dehradun district magistrate Savin Bansal said.
He informed that many individuals from outside the State had purchased more than 250 square meters of land without permission, while others who obtained approval did not utilise the land within the stipulated time or used it for unauthorised purposes. He said that the administration is targeting individuals who misrepresented facts to acquire land in Dehradun and nearby areas.
Some purchased land under specific approvals but later developed homestays and farmhouses, leading to increased land prices and limiting access for local residents. The government has taken action to curb these practices by reclaiming the land, he said. He also informed that under the enforcement of the new land law, which aims to protect local interests, cultural heritage and the environment, the district administration has been actively monitoring land transactions. The implementation of this law has put stricter regulations on land purchases and sales.
He said that the administration has identified 21.89 hectares of land in Rishikesh, 2.82 hectares in in Doiwala, 68.84 hectares in Sadar Tehsil and 107.12 hectares in Vikasnagar for legal action. Out of 393 cases registered under relevant sections, the administration has taken action in 280 cases, leading to 200 hectares of land being vested in the State government. The DM informed that all sub-divisional magistrates were directed to expedite proceedings in such cases. Legal notices were issued and a fast-track process was also adopted to address violations.
Bansal said that if the individuals concerned fail to present their evidence before the court in such cases within the given timeframe, the land will be permanently vested in the State government as per the law.
