Who Owns the Hills? Land Issues in Uttarakhand and Himachal

Shimla: Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, two northern Indian states nestled in the Himalayas, grapple with unique land-related challenges shaped by their geography, demographics, and socio-economic dynamics.

In recent years, Uttarakhand has witnessed significant land acquisition by non-residents, leading to concerns over the preservation of its cultural identity and natural resources. To address these issues, the state government has introduced stringent land laws.

Notably, in February 2025, the Uttarakhand cabinet approved a draft law prohibiting non-residents from purchasing agricultural and horticultural land in 11 out of 13 districts, excluding Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar.

This legislation aims to safeguard the state’s resources and cultural heritage by reinstating a 12.5-acre cap on land purchases and mandating state approval for non-residents seeking to acquire land.

Historically, the state has faced challenges with illegal encroachments. In February 2024, Haldwani experienced violent clashes following the court-ordered demolition of an unauthorized madrasa in the Banbhoolpura area.

The incident highlighted the complexities surrounding land encroachments and the tensions arising from demographic shifts due to illegal immigration.

*Himachal Pradesh: Balancing Development with 118

Himachal Pradesh enforces the Himachal Pradesh Tenancy and Land Reforms Act, 1972, which restricts land purchases by non-agriculturists to protect agricultural land and prevent exploitation. Section 118 of this act primarily bars non-Himachalis from buying land without obtaining permission from the state’s Revenue Department.

While this provision safeguards local interests, it has been perceived as a barrier to external investment, prompting discussions on potential relaxations to encourage economic growth.

The state also contends with environmental challenges impacting land use. In 2021, the Nanda Devi glacier’s partial collapse led to catastrophic floods, causing extensive damage to infrastructure and highlighting the region’s vulnerability to ecological disturbances.

Such events underscore the need for sustainable development practices that respect the delicate Himalayan ecosystem.

Common Challenges and Divergent Approaches

Both states face the dual challenge of fostering development while preserving their unique cultural and environmental landscapes. Uttarakhand’s approach focuses on legislative measures to restrict land sales to non-residents, aiming to protect its cultural heritage and prevent resource exploitation.

In contrast, Himachal Pradesh emphasizes regulatory frameworks to control land transactions, with ongoing debates about easing restrictions to attract investment.

While Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh share concerns over land use and preservation, their strategies differ, reflecting their distinct priorities and challenges.

Uttarakhand prioritizes cultural and resource protection through restrictive land laws, whereas Himachal Pradesh seeks a balance between safeguarding local interests and promoting economic development.

Sunil Chadda