In a resolute display of the state government’s commitment to reclaiming public land, the Pushkar Singh Dhami administration is set to intensify its anti-encroachment campaign with the application of new and stricter laws. This renewed drive aims to address a long-standing challenge of illegal occupation of government land across Uttarakhand. This initiative, which has gained significant public support, is a crucial step towards ensuring that the state’s limited land resources are utilised for the collective good of its citizens, not for the private gains of a few.
The government’s resolve has been strengthened by the newly enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which includes a specific provision that criminalises land grabbing. According to officials, this new legal framework will allow authorities to directly file First Information Reports (FIRs) against land grabbers, giving the anti-encroachment drive significantly more teeth. This is a welcome change from previous administrative actions, which were often limited to issuing notices to encroachers. By making land grabbing a criminal offence, the government has sent a clear message that such activities will no longer be tolerated. It is believed that this new legal provision will act as a major deterrent and help reclaim thousands of acres of land for public use.
In a recent meeting, officials revealed that while over 9,000 acres of land have already been reclaimed in the past two years, thousands of hectares still remain under illegal possession. The government’s new approach is designed to accelerate the mission to free up this land, which is critically needed for development projects, infrastructure, and public facilities. The government has also stated that it is identifying and taking action against various gangs involved in grabbing and misappropriating public land. The administration is even considering invoking the Gangster Act against these criminal elements, a powerful tool that will help to dismantle their networks and prevent future encroachments.
The anti-encroachment campaign is a crucial step in the government’s broader vision for the state’s development. Uttarakhand, being a hilly state, has a limited amount of usable land, and every inch of it is vital for its growth. The government has repeatedly stated that reclaiming this land is a top priority, and the new legal and administrative measures are a clear sign of its unwavering commitment. This drive is not only about law enforcement but also about promoting social justice and ensuring that the state’s resources are used for the benefit of all.
