3 days Ago
RUDRAPUR: The contentious issue of ‘Nazul’ land ownership in Rudrapur has re-emerged, casting a shadow over BJP’s prospects in the upcoming municipal elections. Thousands of families residing on govt land feel let down by state govt’s failure to appeal against a high court order that bars land ownership rights for unauthorised occupants. The state govt had proposed legislation on granting ownership rights to encroachers on govt land.
However, a PIL was filed in the high court challenging the validity of the law. In 2018, HC stayed the state’s Nazul land freehold policy. Following this, the then BJP govt filed a special leave petition (SLP) in the Supreme Court which is yet to give a ruling on the matter.
The state govt then introduced the Nazul Policy in 2021 under chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami . The policy, extended till Dec 2023, was hailed as a pro-poor initiative. However, on Feb 21, HC issued an interim order prohibiting the granting of ownership rights to encroachers until the disposal of the SLP.
This stopped the state’s freehold campaign, leaving families in districts like Dehradun, Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar, and Nainital in despair. More than 25,000 families occupy 1,800 acres of govt land in Rudrapur alone. Many, like local trader Gulshan Kumar Arya, have expressed frustration.
“We waited for years, trusting the govt to secure our rights. This inaction feels like a betrayal,” he said. Despite the setback, the Rudrapur administration distributed land leases to 2,600 people on March 6, during a high-profile event officiated by the CM.
Critics have questioned the legality of the move, given the standing court order. “The distribution of leases raises serious concerns about the govt’s adherence to legal norms,” said a legal expert. Sanjay Juneja, president of Rudrapur’s traders union, echoed the sentiment.
“These families were hopeful the govt would advocate for them. The administration’s silence shattered their trust,” he said. Thousands of applications for freehold conversion remain pending with municipal corporations and collectorates.
Residents have repeatedly visited govt offices, only to face delays. “This is sheer administrative apathy. The govt had ample time to appeal the High Court order but failed to act,” said a member of a citizens’ group.
Meanwhile, opposition parties have seized the moment to target BJP. “The govt’s indecision on such a sensitive issue reveals its priorities,” said an opposition leader. “With a strong legal team, why wasn’t the order challenged? This is demoralising,” said Kishor Haldar, a Congress functionary.
Even within BJP, discontent is brewing over the lack of advocacy. Political analysts said swift action could help the govt regain public trust. “The state must file an appeal in the Supreme Court immediately and ensure a resolution.
This would demonstrate its commitment to the welfare of residents,” said Nayan Bhandari, a political observer. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , and Mini Crossword .
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