PIONEER NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The Advocates Seva Manch and Pahad Swabhiman Sena Uttarakhand on Tuesday demanded a high-level probe into irregularities in land purchases, plotting of agricultural land and misuse of land-law provisions in the hill areas of Uttarakhand.
Advocate Seva Manch president Sandeep Chamoli said that companies based outside Uttarakhand and commercial entities are increasingly acquiring land in the mountains, raising concerns over local land rights, forests, water sources and the ecology of the State.
The organisations sought an inquiry into the alleged purchase of around 144 nali of land in Eradi village of Pauri Garhwal by Doon Hatcheries Private Limited. Chamoli said that the land was purchased as agricultural land but was later being divided into smaller plots for sale to outsiders. He demanded verification of revenue records, registration documents, land-use permissions and details of plot sales.
He also sought verification of the company’s incorporation, directors, shareholding, properties and activities in Uttarakhand, along with details of its property purchases before 2003.
Chamoli demanded a district-wise audit of land purchased by companies established before 2003, alleging that older companies could potentially be used to bypass land-law restrictions. He also sought a review of Section 154 and its provisions relating to land purchases by outsiders and institutions.
He further demanded investigations into land transactions, plotting, resorts and ashrams in Lansdowne and Yamkeshwar, as well as tree felling and construction activities in Kaital village.
Chamoli also sought checks on borewells, groundwater extraction, land-use changes, construction approvals and environmental permissions for commercial establishments operating on agricultural land.
He demanded an impartial inquiry into the role of Revenue officials and strict action if violations are established.
