Dehradun administration stops sale, purchase of ceiling land over 3,000 bigha, ET RealEstate
DEHRADUN: The Dehradun district administration has recently taken measures to halt the sale and purchase of land exceeding 3000 bigha subject to ceiling laws in various areas, including Badowala, Mothrowala, Markham Grant, Chamasari, Majri Grant, and Aajuwala. The order was issued by ADM Shiv Kumar Baranwal on July 12.
According to officials, the land parcel numbering system has undergone modifications since the inception of the ceiling laws. “Due to changes in the system, plot sizes in rural areas sometimes exceed the prescribed ceiling limit of 18 acres. Unscrupulous land mafias have taken advantage of this and have been illegally subdividing and selling off the surplus land. Although the land is owned by the state government, it is being encroached upon. This not only results in revenue losses but also poses a threat to the public,” said Vikesh Singh Negi, a Dehradun-based advocate who lodged a complaint with the district administration.
Explaining the ban, Baranwal said, “Plots in villages such as Bharuwala Grant, Chamasari, Majri Grant, Enfield Grant, Badowala, Mothrowala, Timli, Aaduwala, Fatehpur, and Markham Grant fall under the purview of rural ceiling laws. Currently, there are instances of illicit transactions conducted by land mafias. We have put a stop to such activities as they contravene the provisions of the Uttar Pradesh Imposition of Ceiling on Land Holdings Act, 1960.”
Instructions have been issued to SDM (rural), Vikas Nagar, Rishikesh, Doiwala, and Dehradun, as well as to sub-registrars, to ensure alignment between the old and new parcel numbers.
“Ceiling land should only be utilised for its designated purpose. The limit of 3000 bigha may be revised based on evidence, and this regulation may be extended to other areas where similar activities are rampant,” revealed a source within the administration.
